Advisory on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
for conveyance crew members

Currently, 18 countries have reported over 2,400 cases of atypical pneumonia, also know as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by the World Health Organization. The illness is believed to be caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family or from the coronavirus family. Transmission is most probably by respiratory droplets rather than by body secretions. There is no evidence at this time suggesting that the infection is spread through casual contact.

Crew members of conveyances (aircraft, vessel, etc.) who notice a passenger seriously ill with a respiratory illness should:

  • Keep the ill passenger away from other passengers as much as possible.

  • Provide a surgical mask, if available, for the ill passenger to wear to reduce the number of droplets coughed into the air.

  • Alternatively, ask the passengers to cover their mouth and nose with tissues provided when coughing.

  • A toilet should be identified and made available for the exclusive use of the ill passenger.

  • Remember to wash hands with soap and water after contact with the ill passenger.

When cleaning commercial passenger aircraft after a flight with a possible atypical pneumonia patient:

  • Compressed air that might re-aerosolize infectious material should not be used for cleaning the aircraft.

  • Cleaning personnel should wear non-sterile disposable gloves while cleaning the passenger cabin and lavatories.

  • Hands should be washed with soap immediately after gloves are removed.

  • Special cleaning of upholstery, carpets, or storage compartments is not indicated.

Crew members should be aware of symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, i.e. fever (>38oC) AND cough, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty. If you become ill and you are concerned about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, see your family doctor and inform about your possible exposure.

The captain is reminded to report the illness to the port health authority of the destination. Port health officials will arrange for appropriate medical assistance on arrival of the conveyance.

Department of Health
7 April 2003