Severe acute respiratory syndrome

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). First identified in 2002 in Guangdong Province, China, SARS quickly spread to other countries, causing widespread concern and significantly impacting global public health. The disease is characterized by high fever, headache, dry cough, and myalgias, with possible progression to pneumonia and death. SARS is primarily transmitted through close person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets.

SARS

Etiology

SARS is caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), a member of the coronavirus family, which also includes viruses responsible for the common cold and the more recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV is thought to have originated in bats and transmitted to humans through intermediate animal hosts, such as civet cats.

Transmission

The primary mode of transmission for SARS is through close person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. In some cases, SARS has been known to spread through the air, particularly in healthcare settings or crowded living conditions.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The incubation period for SARS ranges from 2 to 10 days. Symptoms typically include:

High fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) Headache Dry cough Myalgias (muscle pain) Malaise Shortness of breath In more severe cases, SARS can progress to pneumonia, which may lead to respiratory failure and death. Diagnosis typically involves laboratory testing to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV virus or its antibodies.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment for SARS. Management of the disease primarily involves supportive care, including maintaining hydration, providing supplemental oxygen, and treating any secondary infections that may arise. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Preventive measures for SARS include:

Frequent handwashing Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings Quarantine and isolation of suspected cases Travel restrictions during outbreaks

Epidemiology

The SARS outbreak in 2002-2003 affected over 8,000 people worldwide, with a case-fatality rate of approximately 10%. The disease spread to more than 25 countries before being contained through public health measures. Since 2004, there have been no reported cases of SARS.

Legacy

The SARS outbreak highlighted the potential for emerging infectious diseases to rapidly spread and cause significant global health impacts. Lessons learned from the SARS outbreak have informed public health preparedness and response to subsequent emerging infectious diseases, such as MERS and COVID-19.

Summary

A viral respiratory infection caused by the sars coronavirus. It is transmitted through close person-to-person contact. It is manifested with high fever, headache, dry cough and myalgias. It may progress to pneumonia and cause death.

See also

• Coronavirus
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
• COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Resources
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Classification	ICD-10: U04 MeSH: D045169 DiseasesDB: 32835
External resources	MedlinePlus: 007192 eMedicine: med/3662