CDC: 22 in U.S. May Have Mystery Illness

[southerngale]

AP

ATLANTA - Nine more people in the United States are suspected of having the mysterious flu-like illness that has sickened hundreds in Asia, the federal government said Friday.

A total of 22 people in this country now are suspected of being sickened by severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites). Eleven suspected U.S. cases were announced by the CDC on Monday and two more were added Wednesday.


"We need to be highly vigilant," Gerberding said. The suspected cases involve people who recently have been to Asia and developed fever and respiratory problems.


In one case, an ill traveler from Asia may have infected two health workers. Another traveler to Asia is suspected of spreading the illness to a family member. Gerberding declined to identify where the patients live.


The CDC Web site, which had not been updated with the latest numbers, listed three cases in California, two in North Carolina, and one case each in Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.


Federal officials have said those who haven't recently traveled to Asia don't have to worry about the illness.


Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, an X-ray indicating pneumonia or difficulty breathing, accompanied by a temperature of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius); close contact in the past 10 days with someone who has SARS or a visit in the past 10 days to one of the locations where the disease has turned up — primarily eastern Asia.

[Guest]

There is a reported case of the SERS here in Houston - the woman just came back from a trip to Hong Kong. This is all I know right now - she is seeking medical treatment now in Houston hospitals.

Patricia

[southerngale]

Oh no Ticka!

Keep us posted

[Guest]

I will. Wonder if one should wear protective face mask like they are doing overseas in the Asian countries - I know of 14 deaths already. Lets hope this women didn't come in contact with anyone - I pity the people who were on that airline flight with her.

Patricia

[breeze]

Federal officials have said those who haven't recently traveled to Asia don't have to worry about the illness.

....um, unless we come into contact with them!?

[Amanzi]

True Breeze..they come here to..not only the other way around! I remember with the cholera and TB outbreaks near my house in South Africa. Before you got onto a plane they made you walk through a sprayer to decontaminate you..shoes and all. I wonder if they are taking similar precautions in Asia?

[JQ Public]

any deaths? sorry to be negative...just wondering.