World Health Organization Issues Global Advisory

March 17, 2003

World Health Organization Issues Global Advisory
In response to the strain of pneumonia recently affecting some travelers and health care workers, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global travel advisory.

The WHO says at this time it is not necessary to restrict travel to any specific destination. However, until more is known about the illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging travelers to consider alternatives if they have made plans to visit countries where there has been a case of infection, including South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore.

For now, the illness is known only as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and symptoms include high fever, shortness of breath, coughing or difficulty breathing. Nine people have died and some 150 others are thought to have become infected.

It is not yet clear whether the cases reported in various parts of the world are linked to one specific virus or bacteria. According to the Transportation Security Administration, at present, all indications are that this is a public health issue and is in no way related to any act of terrorism.

If you or your clients are concerned about upcoming travel to one of these countries, please read the question and answer section about SARS at Yahoo News.com. NTA will be continually monitoring the available information and will provide updates concerning the travel advisory as they become available. .

To read more, visit CNN.com.