Sars

SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory disease caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first identified in Foshan, Guangdong, China in November 2002. Over 8,000 people from 29 different countries and territories were infected, and at least 774 died worldwide by the end of the pandemic in July 2003.

Symptoms

The symptoms of SARS develop over the course of a week and start with a fever. Early on, people develop flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Chills (shivering)
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Cause

SARS is caused by the SARS coronavirus, a strain of Coronavirus. It is believed to have originated in bats and then transferred to palm civets before finally infecting humans.

Transmission

SARS is primarily spread through close person-to-person contact. The virus is spread in small droplets of saliva coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. If someone else breathes in these droplets, they can become infected.

Prevention

Prevention involves avoiding contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals. This includes not touching the skin of other people and not sharing items like towels and utensils. Hand hygiene is also crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for SARS, but research is ongoing. Treatment is largely supportive and includes relieving the symptoms, maintaining fluid balance, and preventing complications.

See also

• Coronavirus
• Pandemic
• Infectious disease

Sars Resources
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