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