KARACHI, April 4: All the people disembarking from international flights will be monitored for the flu-like virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The killer virus has claimed more than 80 lives around the globe, besides infecting about 2,400 people.

According to a press release of the Airport Health Department, Jinnah Terminal, the airlines with aircraft landing there have been informed of the deadly virus and also how it can be contained. The airlines which have been contacted in this regard are: Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, Aeroflote, Indian Air, Ethiopian Air, Biman Air, China Airlines, Gulf Air, Egypt Air, Royal Jordanian, Yemenia Air, Aeroasia, Iran Air, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airlines, The PIA and Swiss Airlines.

Meanwhile, in a message to the station managers of these airlines, the Airport Health Department has said that should their staff come across a person either having the virus or suspected of having the virus, the destination airport should be informed as soon as possible.

On arrival, the sick passengers should be referred to the Airport Health Department for assessment and management. The aircraft passengers should provide all relevant details to the department’s staff.

Patients or suspected patients should be isolated and strict respiratory and mucous barrier nursing is recommended.

The health care workers and visitors should wear good masks, goggles, aprons, head covers and gloves when close to the patients.