SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory
illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus
(SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. Over
the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen
countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before
the SARS global outbreak of 2003 was contained.
Symptoms of SARS
In general, SARS begins with a high fever (temperature greater
than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]). Other symptoms may include headache, an
overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also have
mild respiratory symptoms at the outset. About 10 percent to 20 percent
of patients have diarrhea. After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop
a dry cough. Most patients develop pneumonia.
How SARS spreads
The main way that SARS seems to spread is by close person-to-person
contact. The virus that causes SARS is thought to be transmitted most
readily by respiratory droplets (droplet spread) produced when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplet spread can happen when
droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled
a short distance (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited
on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of persons who
are nearby. The virus also can spread when a person touches a surface
or object contaminated with infectious droplets and then touches his
or her mouth, nose, or eye(s). In addition, it is possible that the
SARS virus might spread more broadly through the air (airborne spread)
or by other ways that are not now known.
What does "close contact" mean?
In the context of SARS, close contact means having cared for or
lived with someone with SARS or having direct contact with respiratory
secretions or body fluids of a patient with SARS. Examples of close
contact include kissing or hugging, sharing eating or drinking utensils,
talking to someone within 3 feet, and touching someone directly.
Close contact does not include activities like walking by a person
or briefly sitting across a waiting room or office.
Follow these links for information on how to combat the spread of SARS.
To view our this product as a PDF please click here.
|
