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The Ministry of Health has once
again strongly advised the public to avoid travelling to areas
where transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is
continuing to increase, such as Vietnam, Hong Kong, Southern
China and Singapore, unless absolutely necessary.
The reminder came following the
outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which
initially occurred in China and Hong Kong.
Those who have traveled to
affected areas within the last two weeks and developed a sudden
onset of high fever, have respiratory symptoms like cough,
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, must seek immediate
medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of
the nearest hospital.
The Ministry of Health continues
to maintain close vigilance over the situation. It also
continues to monitor the development of the outbreak, in line
with the guidelines on the control and prevention of
communicable diseases, and take further action as appropriate.
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The ministry also informed the
public that there have been no such cases in Brunei Darussalam.
As of Monday (24/3/03), a total of 456 cases had been reported
to the World Health Organisation (WHO), including 17 deaths.
Countries affected with SARS
include China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan and
Vietnam. Cases have also been reported in France, Germany,
Italy, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand,
United Kingdom and United States of America.
For more information, the public
is advised to contact the Department of Health Services,
Ministry of Health, on the following telephone numbers: 2382755
(also fax number), 238204, 2382044, 2381640 ext: 7701/02,
7809/10, 7693/7686.
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