Outbreak preparedness & control PPHSN Guidelines For the Preparedness, Surveillance And Response To Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Pacific Island Countries And Territories April 9th 2003 SARS is a new disease syndrome. Our knowledge about the best way to prevent and treat it is constantly evolving. These guidelines will be continuously updated. Please regularly check PPHSN website for the most up to date guidance. These guidelines have also been ‘harmonised’ with the WHO WPRO guidelines published on 4th April. PREPAREDNESS - INITIAL ACTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES Figure 2: Information Flows  1 & 2 Information collected from government and private hospitals, the media and the general public 3 Reports should be verified by surveillance unit 4 The information should be shared with the designated hospital and laboratory focal point as well as the WHO focal point if available, or PPHSN Coordinating Body focal point (SPC). 5 In principle, probable cases should be transferred to the designated isolation facility for further assessment, treatment and infection control. This should be decided by the task force or expert committee on a case-by-case basis 6 Specimens should be collected under the supervision of the laboratory focal point following the guidelines and transferred to an international laboratory if necessary
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