SARS remains on world health agenda

Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Horvath AO, has warned all health practitioners to be on alert to detect any possible cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) following new reports of SARS cases, including one death, in China.

In a statement issued by the Department of Health and Ageing, Professor Horvath said the cases in China appear to be confined to hospitals and laboratories and there is no evidence of transmission in the general community or to tourists in China. While there is a low risk of a person arriving in Australia with SARS, it is prudent for Australian health authorities to actively monitor the situation in China and take appropriate precautions, he said. More details about SARS can be found on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website.