Sars talk worries schools

By REBECCA WALSH

Auckland secondary school principals are asking students and parents not to panic amid fears of a severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak here.

Misinformation and rumours about the virus had resulted in some "pretty unpleasant prejudices" being aired, principal of Rangitoto College Allan Peachey said.

Mr Peachey said he had heard rumours that if an Asian person sneezed in a bus other passengers were at risk of catching Sars.

There have been no confirmed cases of Sars in New Zealand, but the virus is suspected of infecting nearly 3200 people worldwide and killing 126 people.

A parent at Rangitoto College had complained that the school was not doing enough about students returning from high-risk countries after the school holidays.

In a newsletter sent home to parents late last week, parents were told any student returning from a high-risk country should register with the school and be checked by the school nurse for 10 days from the time of return. Any student showing symptoms would be sent home and require medical clearance before returning.

Mr Peachey said a survey of students found only one student expected to travel "anywhere near" a high-risk country.

The school, which has a roll of nearly 3000, has about 450 Asian students, most of whom are permanent residents. Another 80 students are fee-paying students from Asian countries.

Bali Haque, principal of Rosehill College and head of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Principals Association, said schools had been sent information and advice about Sars by the Ministry of Education.

It advised against travel to high-risk destinations, but said unless a person was showing symptoms they were not infectious.

Mr Haque said the school had sent a newsletter to parents advising them that if their son or daughter travelled to a high-risk country the school reserved the right to ask them to stay away from school for a period of time.

He was not aware of any prejudice being shown to Asian students as a result of Sars, but said there was the danger that could happen "if we get an overreaction.

"They are suddenly seen to be carrying this infectious disease."

Meanwhile, a 65-year-old man admitted to Palmerston North Hospital after fears he had contracted Sars was discharged yesterday.

The Manawatu man returned from a trip to China and Hong Kong about a week ago. He was admitted to hospital on Friday after suffering a high temperature, respiratory problems and shortness of breath.

"It's not likely now that he has it," Midcentral Health District spokesman Scott Crowley said yesterday.

"The symptoms he was showing on Friday are now disappearing and he seems fine."

Although doctors were confident the man's condition was improving, they could not rule out the possibility of Sars, Mr Crowley said.

"As more days go past he's outside that period that seems to be the incubation period for it."

Mr Crowley said the man had been in isolation in a general ward of the hospital. He had been cared for by one nurse, who wore full isolation gear, including a mask and gloves.

Residents living in his area had been contacted at the weekend and given information about Sars. The man's family had also been contacted.

Mr Crowley said the hospital was pleased with how the case had been handled. "Everything went to plan."