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Information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or more commonly referred to as SARS, is a respiratory infection that is of concern to the AMFA membership because of close contact to areas that airline passengers have occupied for prolonged periods of time. In recent months airline professionals have been confronted with terrorism, in the form of both biological and explosive threats, having to perform their job responsibilities as always. The threat of SARS has now been added to that awareness of vulnerability. It is our responsibility to maintain a state of awareness and educate ourselves on the threats that we face daily in our work environments. Our understanding of any new threats such as SARS will allow us to make proper decisions while on the job enhancing the professionalism that is expected of us. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web pg http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/airpersonnel.htm offers up-to-date information on SARS, and this page in particular provides SARS Information for Airline, Airport, and Air Travel Workers. Of note is that transmission of SARS has been associated with direct contact or close proximity to symptomatic patients. Once passengers have left an aircraft, the main source of infectious airborne particles from a sick passenger will have been removed. However, infection may occur if residual infectious particles on environmental surfaces are brought into direct contact with the eyes, nose or mouth, e.g., by unwashed hands. Therefore, hand hygiene is of primary importance for all personnel working on commercial passenger aircraft. Appropriate cleaning of environmental surfaces is also of primary importance. CDC has issued guidelines for Airline Flight Crew Members to notify a U.S. Quarantine Station of any ill passengers that meet specific criteria. In addition, the ground and cleaning crews of the airline should be notified at the same time. For further information, contact your Local Safety Office or Local Safety and Standards Chairman to determine the precautions your employer has instituted to protect all that may be exposed to SARS including it’s most valuable asset, you.
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