Screening international travellers in China for SARS

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The global spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) necessitated international travel advisories and screening protocols.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against non-essential travel to SARS-affected regions and advocated for traveler screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the traveler screening measures implemented in China during the SARS outbreak.
• To evaluate the public health response to SARS transmission via international travel.

Main Methods:

• Screening involved traveler inquiries about SARS exposure and symptoms.
• Physical examinations included fever checks and observation for clinical signs of SARS.
• Health information dissemination and contact tracing protocols were established for affected travelers.

Main Results:

• China's screening program incorporated symptom assessment, fever detection, and health advisories.
• Procedures were established for managing symptomatic travelers and tracing their contacts.
• Additional reassurance measures were implemented, though their direct impact is undetermined.

Conclusions:

• The effectiveness of China's traveler screening in preventing international SARS spread remains unknown.
• The experience gained from SARS screening can inform future epidemic control strategies.