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SPECIAL ISSUE:
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and Avian Flu (Bird Flu) |
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It is important that travelers understand the possible impacts of both SARS and Avian Flu. We have included resources and background information below to help you before you go abroad:
Avian Flu
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both provided resources and information to help you understand Avian Flu. We have included the International SOS website with information and resources to help you as well.
International SOS Avian Flu Info
CDC Avian Flu Info
WHO Avian Flu Info
SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been described as a potentially lethal, flu-like disease supposedly spread through "close contact" with infected individuals. Due to the fact that cases of SARS have emerged in several regions worldwide, many institutions are deciding to alter their study abroad programs. Your concern is understandable. With the degree of uncertainty about SARS, we suggest that you review the following information to help support your health and safety abroad, and to hopefully provide answers to some of your questions.
Each institution carries its own responsibility when determining best practices, policies and procedures. However, to help ensure the health and safety of students currently studying abroad in those regions where cases of SARS have been identified, as well as those students who have recently returned from study abroad programs in such areas, the Center for Global Education sets forth the following recommendations for parents and students seeking answers to SARS-related questions.
The Center for Global Education recommends, that among other actions, all students and parents consult institution and program staff in the U.S. and abroad for guidelines, review institutional/program and personal emergency action plans, and take necessary precautions to make informed travel decisions. Besides practicing good personal hygiene, students should consider staying away from people and areas of potential risk, and seeking medical attention at the first indication of symptoms is important. Check other available resources for information regarding treatment and avoidance of SARS. (Please see below for links to these resources.)
The Center for Global Education offers on-line resources regarding Crisis and Risk Management and Emergency Planning information for students studying abroad. You may wish to review our on-line resources, including our Safety Abroad Student Handbook and SAFETI Adaptation of Peace Corps Resources. (Please see below for links to these resources.)
In addition, the Center strongly suggests all parents and students review SARS information, travel and country-specific warnings provided by the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, this is the first time in the WHO’s history that such warnings against non-essential travel have been issued for these specific geographical areas because of an outbreak of an infectious disease. The Center also suggests you seek alternative information from international sources in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and from the World Health Organization. (Please see below for links to these resources).
As program support varies from institution to institution, check to make sure that study abroad program staff at your U.S. home institution and abroad are monitoring the situation daily, reviewing the possible impact of SARS on students and programs, and updating their emergency plans accordingly. Ask whether or not your institution is currently in the process of deciding whether or not to cancel programs in affected areas, reviewing transportation plans, and bringing students, staff, and faculty back to the United States, or postponing pending study abroad programs in certain areas due to a potential health risk. For students returning from affected regions, inquire to see if your institution encourages you to get a check-up at your campus health center and remember to report any SARS-like symptoms.
Even if your institution decides not to cancel a program, it is critical that each student makes a decision supporting his/her health and safety on whether to study abroad, or continue studying, in countries affected by SARS. Requiring the return of students abroad to the United States ultimately remains a decision that your institution and experts on campus, along with local and international guidance, will make. Students who voluntarily or non-voluntarily return to the United States before the ending date of their programs should consult their institution’s policies regarding program refunds and credit-transfer.
The ways in which countries are responding to SARS vary widely. While some countries deal with SARS outbreaks, patients and resulting travel challenges more akin to how such events would be dealt with in the United States, many other countries have very different procedures for reducing the spread of SARS and for health care in general. If a student comes down with SARS while abroad, finding appropriate health facilities or trying to return home may be much more complicated than it normally would be. It is critical to have an available local health facility in mind, as you may be quarantined or not allowed to travel outside of a country to seek medical attention.
It should be noted that the possibility of evacuation back to the United States could be difficult, as many countries now greatly restrict the freedom of movement of those suspected of having SARS. In addition, most airlines refuse to transport passengers with SARS or SARS-like symptoms. In some major cities, nurses are screening all airline passengers before boarding and many flights are being cancelled, re-routed or delayed. Therefore, obtaining evacuation and transport out of certain regions, or finding appropriate medical assistance will be heavily based on country norms, not on personal health requests or desires, or even on U.S. regulations. Travelers should contact their airline 48-72 hours prior to departure for schedule and regulation updates. Patience will be a critical component in dealing with travel regulations, delays, and uncertainties.
If you have any further questions about how to obtain resources that may be helpful in dealing with the challenges SARS poses to study abroad students, please contact Gary Rhodes at the Center for Global Education:
Gary Rhodes, Ph.D., Director
Center for Global Education
Rossier School of Education
University of Southern California
Waite Philips Hall 904D
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0031
U.S. Government Resources:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Government Resources:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
International Resources:
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response: SARS
Find more links to other SARS-related information regarding: Guidelines, Recommendations, Descriptions, WHO Collaborative Networks, Travel, Other Information Resources including WHO Collaborative Multi-centre Research Project on SARS, and WHO Travel Advice.
Hong Kong
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
The Center for Global Education’s Resources:
Other Resources:
- College and University Information
- Higher Education Association Information
- Media Resources:
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