08
April
2003
|
05:47 AM
America/Chicago

DFW International Airport Continues To Closely Monitor SARS

No Incidents Of SARS Reported; Airport First Responders Prepared And Coordinate With State, Federal Officials

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (April 8, 2003) – DFW Airport has had no reports of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to date. However, DFW Airport is taking proactive steps to report the information available to the traveling public. Since DFW is a major international port of entry, ongoing communication with the Port Director of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection will insure appropriate coordination occurs in the event of an incident. DFW Airport has also established procedures and protocols with County Public Health Officials, CDC representatives, federal agencies, and area hospitals.

The Public Affairs Department is engaged to insure information is provided to the general public on our role as an Airport in the event of a SARS case. DFW Airport is working in concert with U.S. Customs, Department of Homeland Security, and Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, County Public Health Officials and the airlines, to closely monitor any evidence of SARS at the Airport.

A representative of the Center for Disease Control has been assigned to DFW Airport and is maintaining contact with the Airport's Department of Public Safety.

CDC information regarding SARS is available through the following web site: http://www.emergencyemail.org/cdc

The Center for Disease Control is distributing literature to international passengers.

DFW's strategy is to help people understand symptoms and report the occurrence of them as early as possible. DFW also continues to help passengers understand authentic SARS systems to alleviate concerns and avoid any unnecessary delays or detainment of travelers. Yellow health alert cards are being distributed in all the international points of entry that have flights from SARS infected areas, or with connecting flights that have 10 people on board from SARS infected areas. This means about 100 flights a day

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2,000 flights per day and serving 53 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 132 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “MediaSite” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com