Letter from the Director: SARS

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
OFFICE OF PROGRAMS FOR STUDY ABROAD

TO: Purdue Students Studying Abroad in Asia

FROM: Dr. Brian Harley, Director

DATE: April 2, 2003

Dear Student:

As you know, there is concern in parts of Asia about the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). On March 28, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel advisory that "people planning elective or non-essential travel to mainland China and Hong Kong; Singapore; and Hanoi, Vietnam may wish to postpone their trips until further notice."

More recently, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Public Announcement for Mainland China and Hong Kong related to the SARS outbreak. The State Department's website lists all updates by country. http://www.travel.state.gov

You are advised to heed the advice coming from leadership at your local institution, from the State Department, and from the CDC, particularly if you are considering outside travel. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/

Best wishes for a successful semester abroad.

Sincerely,
Brian Harley