| Two possible cases of mystery disease in MI
Associated Press
There are two possible cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in Kent County, the state health department said Tuesday.
The flu-like illness has spread most rapidly through Asian hospitals, some of which do not have surgical masks and goggles needed to prevent catching the disease from patients.
Symptoms of SARS include high fever and respiratory difficulties such as coughing or shortness of breath.
SARS first gained attention in Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam, where it has spread among health workers.
Health authorities say it appears to spread from close contact, primarily through nasal fluids by coughing or sneezing.
Nearly 460 people have been sickened worldwide and 17 have died since Feb. 1.
In the United States 39 people in 18 states likely have been made ill by SARS.
Most of those suspected cases are believed to have acquired it from recent travel to Asia, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said.
The state Department of Community Health said the Kent County adults possibly infected with SARS are not in a hospital and they are in good condition.
The department isn’t releasing their personal information because of patient confidentiality rules.
State health officials have collected specimens from the adults and sent them to the CDC for analysis.
David Johnson, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health, said the state has been working with physicians, local health departments and laboratories across the state to identify possible SARS cases.
“This increased surveillance has been incredibly important in our efforts to detect these suspect cases, investigate them and ensure patients are cared for properly,” Johnson said in a written statement.
State health officials said individuals who believe they have SARS symptoms should call a doctor.
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