Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevention in Taiwan.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a newly identified respiratory disease that threatened Taiwan between April 14 and July 5, 2003. Chang Gung University experienced various SARS-related episodes, such as the postponement of classes for 7 days, the reporting of probable SARS cases, and the isolation of students under Level A and B quarantines. Ninety-eight percent of the students at the university live in dormitories; thus the prevention of SARS became an important issue. Preventive strategies are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, with a different focus and strategy for each level of prevention. The university emphasized personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle as the key to SARS prevention. Our experiences as school nurses during this crisis can help other school nurses to prevent the spread of SARS during similar situations.
Liu
Hsueh-Erh
HE
Health Center, School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012573:School Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013624:Taiwan; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*