Monitoring the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic and assessing effectiveness of interventions in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the infection curve of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) using the back projection method and to assess the effectiveness of interventions.


METHODS
Statistical method.


METHODS
The daily reported number of SARS and interventions taken by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) up to 24 June 2003 are used.


METHODS
To use a back projection technique to construct the infection curve of SARS in Hong Kong. The estimated epidemic curve is studied to identify the major events and to assess the effectiveness of interventions over the course of the epidemic.


RESULTS
The SARS infection curve in Hong Kong is constructed for the period 1 March 2003 to 24 June 2003. Some interventions seem to be effective while others apparently have little or no effect. The infections among the medical and health workers are high.


CONCLUSIONS
Quarantine of the close contacts of confirmed and suspected SARS cases seems to be the most effective intervention against spread of SARS in the community. Thorough disinfection of the infected area against environmental hazards is helpful. Infections within hospitals can be reduced by better isolation measures and protective equipments.
Chau
P H
PH
Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
Yip
P S F
PS
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection; D006302:Health Services Research; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010356:Patient Isolation; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000592:standards; D011790:Quarantine; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission