AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 46 of 170 Is SARS contagious? Yes SARS is contagious by close contact. Close contact means having cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS. The length of time between exposure and symptoms showing are estimated to range from two to seven days. How is it treated? The best treatment is still not clear. Standard antiviral drugs and antibiotics do not appear to be effective. What can be done to prevent SARS? The illness can be severe but apart from the close contact with an infected patient is not thought to be highly contagious when simple protective precautions are taken. Health experts say it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and good ventilation in home and working environments. Washing hands with liquid soap and using disposable towels is recommended. Keeping windows open and putting on facemasks can also help prevent transmission of the infection. Is it safe to travel? U.S. and Canadian health officials also say travellers should consider postponing non-essential trips to areas at risk such as Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong or Guangdong province in southern China; and Singapore. How many cases have been reported worldwide? More than 2,500 cases of SARS have been reported so far. Vishu and Varsha Pirappu Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March - April) and Varshapirappu is the first day of the month of Chitra, which is the Tamil New Year. Vishu -- Rituals Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March - April). This year it falls on 14th April 2003. The traditional rituals followed in the festival is believed to usher in another year of prosperity for the Keralites. The Malayalees make elaborate preparations for this day to ensure that the year ahead will be a fruitful one by following the