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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - SARSFrequently Asked Questions
What is SARS?Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an unusual pneumonia, is a viral respiratory illness. When was SARS first recognized?It was first reported in the Guangdong Province of China in November 2002, and was recognized as a global threat in March 2003, when cases began to be reported in Hong Kong and Viet Nam in March 2003. Over the next three months, the illness spread to about 29 countries in North America, South Amerca, Europe, and Asia, and caused 8,098 cases with 774 deaths. What are the symptoms and signs of SARS?The symptoms of SARS are high fever (>38.0°C), chills, headache, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, muscular stiffness, and general feeling of discomfort. After 2 – 7 days, the patient may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing. In severe cases, pneumonia may occur. Some patients may also experience diarrhea. What causes SARS?SARS is caused by a previously unrecognized coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). How is SARS spread?The virus is spread through the respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and bodily secretions from an infected person. It also can spread when a person touches a surface or object contaminated with infectious droplets or bodily secretions and then touches his or her mouth, nose, or eye(s). In addition, it might be spread through the air, or by other ways that are not currently known. Moreover, the speed of international travel enhances the risk of the infection rapidly spreading around the world. If a person were exposed to SARS-CoV, how long would it take to become sick?The incubation period is typically 2 – 7 days, although in some cases it may be as long as 10 days. How should SARS patients be managed?How long is a person with SARS infectious to others?Persons with SARS are most likely to be contagious only when they have symptoms, such as fever or cough. They are most contagious during the second week of illness. They should limit their interactions outside the home (for example, by not going to work or to school) until 10 days after their fever has gone away and their respiratory (breathing) symptoms have gotten better. Is a person with SARS contagious before symptoms appear?There were cases of SARS that have been reported among persons who were exposed to a SARS patient before the onset of the patient's symptoms. |
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