Virus defence beefed up

By REBECCA WALSH

Nurses will be posted at international airports around the country in the next couple of days to provide information and advice to travellers on severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).

The move is part of a national plan to control the spread of the virus, which has killed at least 133 people and infected 3000 worldwide.

There have been no confirmed cases of Sars in New Zealand.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, hoped the nurses would be based at international airports by the end of the week.

"From my point of view, I would like it to start today, but these things are not simple ... we are relying on different public health units in different places up and down the country."

Kathy Pritchard, manager of communicable diseases and immigrant health for the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, said about 18 nurses would work a 24-hour roster at Auckland International Airport.

The nurses would provide information about the virus, answer incoming passengers' questions and refer them if necessary for medical attention.

It was hoped they would be in place at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Airports from tomorrow.