Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

SARS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first reported in 2002 and primarily affected Asia before spreading to other parts of the world. The disease is characterized by high fever, headache, and body aches, followed by cough and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

• High fever (usually greater than 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Rash

Transmission

SARS is primarily spread through close person-to-person contact, such as:

• Touching or shaking hands with an infected person
• Sharing food or drinks with an infected person
• Coughing or sneezing by an infected person, which releases droplets into the air that can be inhaled by others
• Contaminated surfaces or objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, or countertops, that are touched by an infected person and then touched by others

Treatments

There is no specific treatment for SARS, but symptoms can be managed with:

• Antipyretics (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to reduce fever and relieve headaches and body aches
• Cough suppressants to relieve coughing
• Oxygen therapy to help with breathing difficulties
• Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and nutrition, to help the body recover from the infection

Prevention

To prevent the spread of SARS:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or respiratory symptoms
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items with others
• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of tissues properly after use
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of infection
• Stay home from work or school if experiencing symptoms

Outbreaks and Epidemiology

The first reported outbreak of SARS occurred in Guangdong Province, China in November 2002. The disease quickly spread to other parts of Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, before spreading to other parts of the world, including North America and Europe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were a total of 8,096 reported cases of SARS worldwide during the 2002-2004 outbreak, resulting in 774 deaths. The majority of cases occurred in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Canada.

Vaccine Development

Several vaccines have been developed to protect against SARS-CoV infection, but none have been approved for use in humans. Researchers continue to work on developing effective and safe vaccines to prevent future outbreaks of the disease.