Content
> Basic Guide > Virus > Prevention > Impact > Timeline > Interactive > Classroom > Media Gallery > About
Start Search
Notepad

Print

Bookmark

Tell a friend

Basic Guide: Disease

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) first emerged in the Guangdong province of China. Yet after months of international travel, SARS developed throughout the world and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 8,098 people became sick; 774 of which died.

Thus, the WHO created a network of laboratories all around the world to identify the causative agent of SARS, which soon identified the novel coronavirus in SARS patients.

Content Outline

Below all content of this page is listed by header title. Click on the link to go to a particular part within this page.

At anytime you can return to this list by clicking on 'Content Outline' at the end of each part.

What are the symptoms and signs of SARS?

First, SARS patients usually develop a high fever greater than 37.5°C. Then pneumonia-like symptoms, including headache, feeling of discomfort, chills, and body aches, become evident. After 2 to 7 days, patients may also develop a dry cough, which might associate with hypoxia in which insufficient oxygen is traveling to the blood. Therefore, in approximately 10 to 20 percent of the cases, mechanical ventilation is required.

Video: Symptoms of SARS

Below you can watch a movie about how to take body temperature. Temperature taking is very important to prevent SARS.


1.1.1 Windows Media Movie (used with permission of Health Promotion Board Singapore)

What is the cause of SARS?

SARS is caused by a new form of coronavirus called 'SARS-associated coronavirus' (SARS-CoV). Yet at this time, there is still a mystery whether other infectious agents are involved. One fact though is tests have proven that the coronavirus derived from animals - possibly a civet cat - not humans.

How is SARS spread?

SARS spread by close contact between people when for instance a SARS-affected person coughs or sneeze contagious droplets into the air. These droplets then travel to the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose or eyes of the person nearby. It can also spread by a person, or touching a surface or object contaminated with infectious droplets.

How long does it take to become sick if I were exposed to SARS?

The time between exposure to the SARS virus and onset of symptoms is called the incubation period. The incubation period for SARS is typically 2 to 7 days, although in some cases it may be as long as 10 days.

What does 'close contact' mean?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), close contact means when one has cared for or lived with a SARS-affected person or has a high probability of direct contact. As in with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids with the SARS patient such as kissing, embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils or close conversations within 3 feet between people.

How long is a SARS patient infectious to others?

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that people with SARS restrict themselves from outside activities for 10 days after their symptoms have subsided. Although they are most infectious when symptoms occur, this is a precaution as patients are most infectious during the second week of illness.

Image 1.1.2 Infected while working in another hospital, nurse Zhang looks out the window of the isolation ward of You'an Hospital in Beijing. The food on her windowsill were placed there by relatives who were prevented from bringing anything into her room (used with permission of Lou Linwei, freelance photographer for TIME Magazine).

What medical treatment is recommended for patients?

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that patients with SARS receive the same treatment that would be used for any patient with serious community-acquired atypical pneumonia. SARS-CoV (SARS coronavirus) is being tested against various antiviral drugs to see if an effective treatment can be found.

Interactive

  • SARS Quiz
    In this quiz you will find questions based on the information available in Basic Guide, Virus and Prevention.

  • Crossword puzzle 1: Basic Guide
    Online crossword puzzle based on Basic Guide.

  • SARS Quest - Averting An Outbreak
    In this short Flash game, you will be taking on the role of the Health Minister of the imaginary country of Asitwon. Your aim is to use all necessary means to prevent a SARS outbreak in the country.

Related Links

  • Number of SARS cases around the world
    Table with cumulative number of reported cases of SARS from the World Health Organization (WHO).

  • World Health Organization
    The objective of the World Health Organization, the United Nations specialized agency for health, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people of the United States.

References

Terms
When you locate your mouse on a term, a definition appears after a moment.
Sitemap | Help | Disclaimer