Text of Senator Charles Schumer's Letter to Dr. Julie L. Gerberding M.D., M.P.H. Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dear Dr. Gerberding:

I am concerned about the increasing likelihood of the appearance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the United States and urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to take immediate action to prevent this worldwide health emergency from spreading within our borders.

I have been very pleased by the action the CDC has taken internationally to help stem the spread of SARS. Its deployment of medical officers, epidemiologists and other specialists to assist with on-site investigations around the world demonstrates the CDC's commitment to stemming this serious outbreak. Unfortunately, despite these significant efforts, it appears we have been unable to prevent this virus from reaching our shores.

As of April 2, the CDC reports 100 suspected SARS cases in 28 states across the country, including 13 in New York State. I am concerned, however, that these numbers do not accurately reflect the risk the United States currently faces because just over the border in Canada, over 100 confirmed cases of SARS have been reported. New York State in particular is at risk because less than 100 miles away, SARS seems to be holding Toronto under siege, with multiple hospitals closed to the public as health officials there work to contain the virus.

To continue the rapid response taken by the CDC internationally to contain SARS, I urge you to take an equally hands-on approach to investigating and containing the illness here in the United States. Thus far, the CDC has seemed content to work through the local public health infrastructure while also maintaining a presence at certain airports. While I have great confidence in these public health officials, I believe that the mysterious and threatening nature of SARS requires the direct involvement and management of the CDC, which employs the most sophisticated health experts our country has to offer.
I respectfully request that wherever a confirmed case of SARS is detected in this country, the CDC immediately dispatch an emergency response team to advise public health officials and doctors on how to treat the infected patient and contain the virus. The CDC's presence will not only ensure that our very best experts are working on the front lines to contain the outbreak, but it will also reassure local residents that the federal government is doing everything in its power to protect them. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Charles Schumer
U.S. Senator