Its study abroad program in China is on temporary hold, and a student was suspected of carrying the disease, but Syracuse University officials want students and staff to know that the Hill is SARS-free.

The university announced May 2 that a student who was suspected of having severe acute respiratory syndrome has completed a 10-day monitoring period without showing symptoms of the virus. University Spokesman Kevin Morrow said that SU Health Services kept in contact with the student at his home out of state, as well as monitoring his roommates and girlfriend for signs of SARS.

‘They all reported to be in good health throughout the monitoring period,’ Morrow said.

The student became a suspected SARS case under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol after exhibiting a fever and respiratory symptoms following a fraternity trip to Toronto on April 11-13. The CDC classified Toronto as a SARS-affected area April 21.

As of May 1, SU Health Services had screened 49 other students complaining of respiratory symptoms for the virus, Morrow said. None of those students met the criteria for SARS.

In addition to screening students for SARS, SU is also considering the impact of the epidemic on its study abroad programs. The Division of International Programs Abroad canceled the remainder of its spring semester program in Hong Kong on March 28, citing SARS concerns. Morrow said that a decision on the fate of the program for the Fall 2003 semester has yet to be made.

‘Obviously, a decision needs to be made before we get too close to the fall semester,’ Morrow said

Published on May 7, 2003 at 12:00 pm