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Content
 Basic Guide
Virus
Prevention
Impact
 SARS Essay
Case Studies
Amoy Gardens
Lab Incidents
Fast Figures
Pioneers & Heroes
Dr. Carlo Urbani
Dr. Guan Yi
Timeline
2002
February 2003
March 2003
April 2003
May 2003
June 2003
July 2003
September 2003
December 2003
January 2004
February 2004
Interactive
Classroom
Media Gallery
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Basic Guide: Disease
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 OutlineBelow 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 SARSBelow you can watch a movie about how to take body temperature. Temperature taking is very important to prevent SARS.
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.
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
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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.
