A suspected case is someone with a temperature higher than 100.4 and symptoms of a respiratory illness such as cough or shortness of breath who has recently traveled to an area where SARS is common or had contact with a SARS patient.

To be labeled a probable case, a person must have X-ray evidence of pneumonia or respiratory failure in addition to meeting the criteria for a suspected case.

Under the revised definition, there were 12 probable cases and 34 suspected cases of SARS in California as of Monday. Physicians should immediately call their local health departments to report any cases they suspect of being SARS.

For the latest SARS developments and local health department contact information, visit the Public Health Information Center.

Contact: Robin Flagg Strimling, 415/882-5110 or rstrimling@cmanet.org.