Member Pipeline - Fax Alert SpecialEdition - May 9, 2003
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May 9, 2003
AMSA Gathers Information on SARS Virus
Laboratory studies released this week by the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided the fist scientific data regarding the ability of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus to survive outside of an infected individual’s body. The studies evaluated the virus in a variety of places and under a number of conditions. The results of the studies suggest that the virus can survive on a plastic surface at room temperature for at least 24 hours. It was also found that the virus remained viable for as long as four days in human waste. This last finding is considered crucial in that it may explain how the virus was able to spread through apartment buildings, hospitals and other facilities.In order to provide AMSA members with the most up-to-date information, the Association has been in close contact with both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to obtain further information.
CDC Tells AMSA SARS Likely Not a Risk in Wastewater
A CDC representative has indicated to AMSA that current information suggests that wastewater treatment operators or others exposed to wastewater do not face an elevated risk or contracting the virus – noting that SARS is a lipid enveloped virus which makes it relatively sensitive to disinfection; that there are a limited number of confirmed SARS cases in the U.S.; that not all patients may shed virus in stool (apparently this is unclear in the data); and, that there are other viruses that routinely enter the wastewater stream and do not appear to cause problems (i.e. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Norwalk virus, Rotavirus, etc.). The CDC representative also reported that evidence suggests that SARS is transmitted from contact with an infected carrier via the inhalation of infectious droplets (from coughing or sneezing), or by touching items that may have been contaminated. More information on SARS is available on the CDC’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/.EPA Office of Water Participating in Interagency Workgroup to Gather Facts on SARS
AMSA has learned that a representative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water has been assigned to serve on an interagency workgroup comprised of EPA, Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the SARS virus. Currently, the workgroup is initiating a fact-finding process to examine environmental sources of SARS exposure. The team is gathering information on the survival of SARS in hospital environments, feces and sewage, and other environmental sources. AMSA will remain in close contact with the workgroup, as they proceed on this initiative.Member Input/Inquiries Invited
AMSA members can be assured that the Association will continue to provide Updates and Alerts on this issue as developments occur and circumstances warrant. Additionally, member agencies are invited to share information or make inquiries regarding SARS with AMSA’s National Office by contacting Chris Hornback at 202/833-2672 or at chornback@amsa-cleanwater.org.