2002 2004 SARS outbreak

2002–2004 SARS outbreak

  File:SARS virus.png

Electron micrograph of the SARS coronavirus

Disease	[[Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)|Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)]]
Virus strain	[[SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV)|SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV)]]
First case
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date
Confirmed cases	8,098
Suspected cases
Recovered
Deaths	774
Territories

The 2002–2004 SARS outbreak was a global epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The outbreak began in Guangdong, China in November 2002 and spread to 29 countries, resulting in 8,098 confirmed cases and 774 deaths by the time it was contained in May 2004.

Background

SARS is caused by a coronavirus, a type of virus that typically causes respiratory illnesses in humans and animals. The SARS coronavirus is believed to have originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through an intermediate host, likely the civet cat.

Timeline of the Outbreak

Initial Outbreak in China

The first known case of SARS occurred in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, in November 2002. The disease spread rapidly within Guangdong, with healthcare workers being among the first to be infected due to close contact with patients.

Global Spread

In February 2003, a doctor from Guangdong traveled to Hong Kong and stayed at the Metropole Hotel, where he infected several other guests. These guests then traveled to other countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada, leading to international spread.

Containment Efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert in March 2003, and international efforts were mobilized to contain the outbreak. Quarantine measures, travel advisories, and public health campaigns were implemented to prevent further spread.

End of the Outbreak

By July 2003, the outbreak was largely contained, although sporadic cases continued to occur until May 2004. The WHO declared the outbreak contained on July 5, 2003.

Clinical Features

SARS presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be fatal.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of SARS is based on clinical symptoms, travel history, and laboratory tests, including PCR testing for the SARS-CoV virus. There is no specific antiviral treatment for SARS; management focuses on supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for severe cases.

Impact

The SARS outbreak had significant economic and social impacts, particularly in affected regions. It highlighted the need for improved global surveillance and response systems for infectious diseases.

Also see

• Coronavirus
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• COVID-19 pandemic
• World Health Organization