Question

West Nile Virus

You are the director of communicable diseases in a city health department, responsible for a large urban community. It is early spring in 2003. For the past two years, your department has been working to control the spread of the West Nile Virus and you are pleased with the progress so far. This morning you read about a suspected outbreak of a new disease called SARS which is suspected to have killed dozens of people in Hong Kong. While West Nile Virus is carried by birds, especially crows, SARS is transmitted among people.

When you get to the office and check your email you learn that the World Health Organization has placed a number of East Asian cities off limits for all but essential travel. You also learn that Canada has reported deaths they believe are due to SARS. You are now confronted with addressing a new and virulent contagious disease.

Discuss the approach you would adopt in such a situation.
Follow a step by step process for disaster preparedness.

Answer 1

SARS is a newly spreading infection which is transmitted by people. It has not yet reached the country. So the approach adapted here is prevention and preparedness for the outbreak of the disease.

PREVENTION:

• People who have plans to travel to affected areas: If the travel is not necessary and urgent it can be postponed until they get a further notice that it is safe to travel.
• People who has symptoms of SARS: If an individual has fever, cough with or without difficulty in breathing, they should get consulted with the physician. Mention to the physician if there is a history of travel to places with SARS outbreak or contact with people with the above symptoms.
• People providing care to affected individual: Basic precautions to be followed even after 10 days after the symptoms have gone. The patient should be isolated and interactions should be minimal.

Steps for disaster preparedness:

• Assessment: Form a planning committee. Ensure that the healthcare facility can detect and respond effectively to SARS.
• Planning: Develop a written preparedness and response plan.
• Strategy formation: Develop a strategy to quickly correct any deficiencies.