A Brown University faculty member is under quarantine because of possible SARS infection, Brown Provost Robert Zimmer and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Huidekoper said in an April 24 e-mail to students and faculty members.

The professor, who was not named in the e-mail, experienced flu-like symptoms after a recent visit to Toronto, a city with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel alert.

“Although there is no confirmation that this is a case of SARS, the University is following the recommendations of the CDC and is consulting with the Rhode Island Department of Health,” the e-mail said. “Brown Health Services has contacted all students who attended a recent class lecture given by the professor to advise them of the situation — The professor is away from campus and will remain at home for a recommended period of time.”

Brown formed a task force to monitor the SARS situation through regular contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Brown Health Services, and Brown Medical School faculty, the e-mail said.

In response to heightened concerns about SARS, other universities have cancelled summer programs and announced travel restrictions. Columbia University cancelled its Summer Language Program in Beijing as of April 23 and will offer a New York Chinese Language Program in its place. Dartmouth College cancelled its summer Foreign Study Program in China.

Harvard University and Princeton University have imposed temporary moratorium on university-related or funded travel to SARS-affected regions.

Harvard’s travel series, Let’s Go, cancelled this year’s China guide because of concerns about SARS.

— Bridget Kelly