SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that first appeared in Southern China in November 2002 and was subsequently declared a global threat in 2003. It is caused by previously unrecognized coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
Symptoms of SARS
An infectious disease spread by close, person-to-person contact, SARS usually begins with a high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C). The fever may be accompanied by chills, headache, body aches, general feelings of discomfort, diarrhea, and/or mild respiratory symptoms. After two to seven days, patients may present with a dry, nonproductive cough that can be accompanied by or progress to hypoxia (a condition in which oxygen levels in the blood are low). Most patients will develop pneumonia and 10 to 20% will require ventilation.
The 2003 global SARS outbreakAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), from November 2003 to July 2003 more than 8,000 people worldwide became ill with SARS. Of these, more than 700 died (only 8 deaths occurred in the United States). By late July 2003, no new cases were reported and the global outbreak was declared to be over.
The outlook for SARS
Since 2004, there have been periodic SARS outbreaks in China. However, these outbreaks have not spread into the United States. Because any contagious outbreak or pandemic is a serious threat to health and commerce, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to monitor the situation for any signs of change.
