Mayor Hahn, U.S. Public Health Officials Discuss Measures to Prevent Transmission of SARS at LAX.

News Editors/Business Editors/Travel Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2003

Following advisory alerts announced by health authorities around the world, Mayor Jim Hahn today announced that the City will provide assistance to U.S. Public Health Officials to inform travelers and others about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS); a respiratory illness that has been reported in Asia, North America and Europe.

Although no cases have been reported at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Mayor Hahn wanted to reassure people that Los Angeles is taking appropriate measures to keep passengers safe in their travel through Los Angeles.

"I have requested Los Angeles World Airport officials to provide short-term resources to assist health officials in the screening and education of travelers. Qualified LAWA employees will distribute the multi-language `Health Alert Notice,' so that officials can focus on screening passengers," said Mayor Hahn.

In response to Mayor Hahn's request, LAX is providing staff to assist public health officers with distributing informational leaflets on SARS in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

LAX is the largest origination and destination airport in the country. It serves as a hub to approximately 25 daily international nonstop and direct flights to Asia, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

"Vigilance in rapidly detecting and appropriately caring for suspect cases of SARS with proper infection control is our best defense in combating this global epidemic. We are delighted to receive the Mayor's support in this important public health response at our ports," said National Center for Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director Marty Centrum.

"Respiratory illnesses are very common in Los Angeles County at this time of the year," said Director of Public Health and County Health Officer Dr. Jonathan Fielding. "Therefore, the mere presence of these symptoms should not be a cause of heightened concern. However, due to the potential impact of SARS, we have significantly enhanced our surveillance and are in close contact with hospitals throughout Los Angeles County."

Currently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working with LAX operations staff, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to ensure that travelers coming from identified areas in Asia are informed about possible exposure to SARS, and are educated about what they should do if they begin to exhibit any of the SARS symptoms.

The World Health Organization encourages precautionary measures at U.S. airports, ports, airlines and health organizations to stem the spread of SARS. To date, reported cases in the U.S. have been kept to approximately 85, with no reported deaths.

"We advise travelers to educate themselves on SARS and the symptoms associated with it, particularly if they plan to travel to any of the risk areas," Mayor Hahn stated. "Everyone should engage in good hygiene practices, including frequent hand-washing to protect themselves from infections."