News Release                   For Immediate Release

June 16, 2003

SARS Update in Grey and Bruce

A laboratory test for the disease SARS is now available.  The Winnipeg Public Health Laboratory is testing the blood from all persons under investigation over the first few months of the outbreak when the lab test was not available.  It has been determined that there was a case of SARS in Grey Bruce early in the outbreak.

I would like to thank the patient and the family for complying with the Quarantine. We did not identify any transmission of the virus locally.

I would like to congratulate the Grey Bruce Health Services hospital in Owen Sound for their infection control measures as no exposure occurred during the investigation there.

The importance of infectious disease control has been emphatically demonstrated in the last few months.  We have been very pleased with the co-operation of health care providers in Grey and Bruce as we follow-up contacts.  Thanks also to the residents of the area as they adjust to the ‘new normal’ of hospital care.

Please continue to be vigilant - don’t go out when you are not well and wash your hands frequently when interacting with others.

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For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420