Ontario reports fourth death related to SARS
- Call Infoline at 1-888-668-4636 for general inquiries about SARS
- Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you have symptoms
TORONTO, March 30 /CNW/ - Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Ontario's Commissioner of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. James Young, Ontario's Commissioner of Public Security, today announced that a fourth patient death has been linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
"I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the patient's family and friends," said Dr. D'Cunha.
Dr. D'Cunha said that the patient who passed away had a direct connection with the first SARS patient at The Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division.
"In an effort to contain the spread of SARS, we are continuing to focus on the measures we have put in place in health care facilities," said Dr. Young.
These measures include:
- All GTA and Simcoe County hospitals must take necessary precautions against the possible presence of SARS within the hospital;
- All GTA and Simcoe County hospitals have access restricted to critically ill patients and necessary staff only;
- Security personnel and police staff will be available to enforce these precautions;
- Toronto's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to assist local and provincial efforts;
- Additional experts from Health Canada will support with infection control measures;
- Non-urgent transfers between health care facilities will be suspended; and
- Long-term-care facilities will follow strict infection control protocols.
"We want to stress that the risk of being infected by SARS remains very low for most Ontarians, provided they are not in one of the risk groups," said Dr. D'Cunha. "Washing your hands is always the best way to prevent infection from any illness."
If you have had close contact with anyone diagnosed with SARS, or have recently travelled to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and/or Singapore, " You develop a fever (above 38 degrees Celsius) " You develop one or more of the following respiratory symptoms; cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- You should seek medical attention. Cover your nose and mouth with a clean mask or towel immediately and proceed to your nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Doctors Young and D'Cunha said it is important that people call the most appropriate phone numbers to get the information they need. The numbers include:
- People who do not have any symptoms but have general queries about SARS can call Ontario's Health Infoline at 1-888-668-4636 for more information or can check the ministry website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca.
- People who do not have symptoms but have been to the The Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division between March 16 and today, should call their local public health unit or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to get further direction.
- People who do not have symptoms but have been to the York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill between March 16 and March 28, please call York Region Public Health Unit at 1-800-361-5653 to get further direction.
- People who are in home isolation and have any concerns should phone their local public health unit (check ministry website for telephone numbers).
For some people, a period of isolation may be necessary. People in home isolation who have any concerns should phone their local public health unit. Numbers are available on the health ministry's website or in the phone book.
"It's important to stress that people in home isolation must stay in isolation for a period of 10 days," said Dr. Young. "The province is working with Toronto Emergency Medical Services, Toronto police auxiliary, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army to help those people in isolation at home."
As of today, March 30, 2003, there are approximately 100 probable and suspect cases of SARS in Ontario. There is detailed information on 81 of these cases: 42 are probable and 39 are suspect.
Doctors Young and D'Cunha stressed that efforts to respond to SARS and contain the disease continue around the clock.
"We are taking all necessary measures to contain SARS," said Dr. Young.
This news release is available on our website at: www.health.gov.on.ca
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For further information: Members of the media: Dan Strasbourg, (416) 314-6197, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154