Immediate Release

 For Information Contact:
Monday, June 9, 2003

Ralph J. Eannace, Jr.
 798-5800
Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. announces that in Oneida County there has been one (1) probable case and one (1) suspected case of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) identified.

The Oneida County Health Department's Epidemiologist, Ken Shilkret is following two (2) individuals that have been identified. They have been to Toronto recently and these individuals fit the criteria for suspect and probable SARS. They have voluntarily been confined to their homes for ten (10) days. Hospital personnel and family members are being monitored for 10 days. This precaution will keep the public safe.

Dr. Susan Blatt, Medical Consultant for the Oneida County Health Department advises the public that the definition of a suspected case is:

    • Travel to Toronto or other SARS areas
    • Temperature over 100.4 degrees
    • Respiratory symptoms, i.e. cough, shortness of breath

If you are ill please contact your doctor or a local emergency room. Please call them prior to visiting either the doctor's office or a hospital emergency room.

Any Oneida County resident with questions should call the Oneida County Health Department at (315) 731-3465 in the daytime (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) The after-hours phone is (315) 798-5064.

Outside of Oneida County, please contact your local MD or Health Department.

For further information on SARS, log on to the Oneida County Health Department's Website: www.co.oneida.ny.us, or the CDC Web site at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/.