Southampton Student Speaks of SARS in Hong Kong :: Wessex Scene Online

Southampton Student Speaks of SARS in Hong Kong

21st May 2003
Claire Wood News Editor

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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome has rapidly spread throughout the globe, killing more than 300 victims to date. The pneumonia-like virus has principally affected China, Hong Kong and Canada.

So to us here in Britain, with no fatalities from the disease, it may seem a million miles away. However, Douglas Mcdonald, a law student from Southampton University witnessed first hand some of the devastating effects of this life-threatening disease. He recounted his experiences to me at Hong Kong University where he has been studying this year as part of an exchange programme. However, this year of study has been cut short due to the disease. He was forced to return home at the beginning of April and although he was planning to return in June for a work experience placement, he has recently discovered that he will not be insured for the trip.

Hong Kong University began to cancel classes towards the end of March and was eventually forced to close for two weeks in April. International students were given special advice to leave the country. One student was even ordered to return home by her University in Australia. She would have been forced to drop out of her course if she did not follow this recommendation.

SARS appears to be less infectious than influenza and the incubation period is believed to be short, around 10 days. However, Douglas told me about the contingency plans made by the Halls of Residence in which he was staying. As you can imagine Halls of Residence that house students from all four corners of the world are an obvious place for infection to spread. If anyone showed any symptoms the entire Halls residents would be forced to remain within the building for 10 days. Douglas’ Halls stocked up on food and provisions in case of this imminent event. Fortunately, Douglas managed to escape the rather frightening prospect. He did, however, speak of a Professor who contracted the illness. A fellow student on his rugby team also suffered from the disease.

The main symptoms of SARS are high fever (>38' C), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Changes in chest X-rays indicative of pneumonia also occur. Even if you have these symptoms, it is unlikely to be SARS unless, within the last 10 days, you have returned from an affected area or been in contact with someone suffering from SARS. The Department of Health is still strongly advising against any travel to Hong Kong or Guandong Province in China. Travellers to other parts of South East Asia need to be aware of these outbreaks and take them into account in their travel plans.