1,Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),2,Background,There have been reports of “SARS” from different parts of the world since March 2003. In Hong Kong, a number of health care workers and other people have also been affected by the disease. SARS has been added to the schedule of infectious diseases under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance which empowers DH to implement control measures more effectively.,3,Background,The WHO removed Hong Kong from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS on 23 June 2003 However, we must remain vigilant and take necessary measures as required,4,What is Pneumonia?,Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs that affects the lungs normal function. It can be classified into “Classical Pneumonia” and “Atypical Pneumonia”.,6,What is Atypical Pneumonia?,The Atypical Pneumonia in this outbreak is also known as “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” (SARS). It is found to be caused by coronavirus.,7,What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?,Symptoms include: High fever (of 38 degrees Celsius or above) Cough Chills Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing Myalgia and malaise Headache Diarrhea Chest X-ray shows changes compatible with pneumonia,8,The virus causing SARS is transmitted: By droplets; or Through direct contact with secretions of an infected person.,How is SARS Transmitted?,9,Treatment,With early detection, the disease can be treated with medication.,10,Prevention,Maintain good personal hygiene Wear a mask properly Keep the environment clean and hygienic Ensure good ventilation Adopt a healthy lifestyle,11,Maintain Good Personal Hygiene,Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue paper to hold your spit, then dispose of the soiled tissue paper into a covered bin. Wash hands with liquid soap. Use serving spoons and serving chopsticks at mealtimes. Wash hair and shower daily.,12,Maintain Good Personal Hygiene,Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Do not share towels. Do not spit or litter. Use a vomit bag to hold vomitus on public transport. Consult the doctor promptly and stop going to work or school if you develop symptoms of respiratory tract infections or if you have a fever.,13,Your Health is in Your Hands,Wash your hands: Before touching your eyes, mouth and nose; Before putting on a mask or after taking it off; Before preparing food or eating; After contact with infected persons; After sneezing or coughing;,Tips: Wash hands properly,14,Your Health is in Your Hands,Wash your hands: After going to the toilet; After handling nappies, faeces or articles soiled with respiratory secretions; After touching public installations such as railings, door handles, lift buttons and public telephones; and After arriving at office or home.,Tips: Wash hands properly,15,Proper Hand Washing,Wash hands under running tap water. Add liquid soap.,16,Proper Hand Washing,Work up lather with your hands. Spend at least 10 seconds to rub your hands, including all sides of the nails.,17,Proper Hand Washing,Dont forget to rub the palm and back of the hands. Dont rinse with water when rubbing. When you have finished rubbing, rinse hands thoroughly with water.,18,Proper Hand Washing,Dry hands with a clean personal towel or disposable paper towel. Wrap the tap in a disposable towel, or Rinse the tap thoroughly with water before turning it off.,19,Proper Hand Washing,Remember: Do not share towels or tissue papers. Discard disposable towels properly. Store personal towels properly. Change and wash them thoroughly every day.,20,The Following People Should Wear a Mask:,People with symptoms of respiratory illness Carers of patients with respiratory illness Health care workers in clinical settings Household contacts of confirmed or suspected SARS patients People visiting hospitals or clinics,21,Which Type of Mask Is Effective against SARS?,Ordinary surgical masks and N95 masks can both help prevent SARS.,N95 Mask,Surgical Mask,22,Identify Different Parts of a Mask,Follow the instructions on the packet carefully, if available. The coloured side of the mask should face outwards, and the edge with a metallic wire upwards. Wash hands with liquid soap before putting on a mask.,23,Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask,Tie the upper 2 strings above the ears. Tie all the strings properly to keep the mask in place.,24,Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask,The mask should fit snugly over the face. The metallic wire part of the mask should be fixed securely over the bridge of the nose. The mask should fully cover the mouth, nose and chin to prevent leakage.,25,Points to Note about Wearing a Mask,Avoid touching the mask after putting it on. If you have to touch it, wash hands before and after doing so. Wash hands before taking off the mask, and discard it properly. Put the dirtied mask into a plastic or paper bag and tie the bag properly. Then dispose of it into a covered bin. Replace the mask immediatelyif it is damage