A Statement From The Office Of The Provost And The University Health Center Regarding Sars

The following is an open letter to members of the University of Arkansas Community regarding the health and safety of the campus in response to the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in other parts of the world.

May 1, 2003

Dear Members of the University of Arkansas Community,

We are writing to update you on the measures that the University is taking to safeguard the health and safety of the campus community in response to the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in other parts of the world.

As you may be aware, the University of Arkansas has cancelled one study abroad program involving fourteen students and two faculty members who were to travel China this summer. This precaution was based on information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

At this time, the University of Arkansas continues to monitor the travel advisories and alerts provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Current travel advisories recommend that travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore be postponed. Travel alerts are posted for Vietnam and Toronto to inform travelers of precautions to take with regards to SARS. These travel advisories and alerts change almost daily. Any member of the University of Arkansas community who is considering travel to these locations should check the following Web site before making travel plans: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel.htm

Visitors to the University of Arkansas from the areas of the world affected by SARS are asked to consider their travel plans carefully, to be well-informed about SARS and to avoid travel if they have had direct contact with an individual with SARS within the last two weeks. Anyone traveling in or returning from a SARS-affected area should follow the Alert Notice for International Travelers Arriving in the United States given to each traveler. More information may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/factsheet.htm.

How concerned should the University of Arkansas community be about exposure to SARS? With current travel restrictions, the screening measures now in place at airports and accurate information being given to travelers, SARS does not appear to be spreading in the United States. However, all members of our community should continue to practice good hygiene and stay informed about SARS.

Information about SARS, including specific travel advisories urging the postponement of all non-essential travel to high-risk regions, are available at the websites of the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/, the WHO http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/, and the U.S. State Department http://travel.state.gov/sars_announce.html.

Anyone wishing to speak with University of Arkansas Health Center staff concerning SARS may call (479)575-4077.

Please know that the University of Arkansas values the health of each member of our community and appreciates our community’s cooperation and attention to the public health of our campus.

Yours truly,

Bob Smith, Provost, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs ,

Mary Alice Serafini, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Director University Health Center