Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious respiratory
illness resulting in an atypical pneumonia that can be fatal. Health
officials believe that a newly recognized strain of a virus, called a
coronavirus, is the likely cause of the illness. Known forms of
coronavirus cause common colds and upper respiratory tract
infections. The first case of SARS was reported in China in November
2002. After that, the disease spread rapidly across a number of
countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. Health
officials in Canada and the United States reported imported cases. Check
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at
www.cdc.gov and the World Health
Organization (WHO) website at
www.who.int for periodic updates.
How is SARS spread?
The disease is highly contagious on close personal contact with an
infected person. It is spread by droplets released in coughing and
sneezing and direct contact with the respiratory secretions or other
bodily fluids of an infected person. Close contact is defined as having
cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with
respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a patient suspected of
having SARS.
What are the signs and symptoms of SARS?
Signs and symptoms usually appear within 2 to 7 days after exposure to a
person with SARS.
The main signs and symptoms of SARS are:
- High fever (greater than 100.4 degrees F or 38 degrees C)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Malaise (a general discomfort or feeling sick)
In addition, a person with SARS must have one of the following:
- Close contact with a person who has received a diagnosis of SARS
- Recent travel to a SARS affected area as defined by the CDC and/or
WHO
SARS may be diagnosed on the above signs and symptoms and results from
additional tests, including:
- Chest x-ray, which will indicate pneumonia or acute respiratory
distress syndrome
- Blood tests, which may show a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
and low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
What is the treatment for SARS?
There are no specific treatment recommendations at this time. Antibiotic
medications are not effective because SARS is a viral infection. Treatment
has included antiviral agents, oral or intravenous steroids, and
antibiotics to presumptively treat known bacterial agents of atypical
pneumonia.
Is travel restricted to SARS affected areas?
On July 11, 2003, the CDC removed its final SARS travel alert for
Beijing, China because more than 30 days (or three SARS incubation
periods) had elapsed since the onset of symptoms in the last reported
case.
Travelers should be aware of their risk for communicable diseases, such as
SARS, and stay informed about current travel alerts and advisories.
Information about travel alerts and advisories and CDC pre-travel health
recommendations can be found at
www.cdc.gov.
How can I avoid contracting SARS?
Health experts say it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and
good ventilation in home and work environments.
- Washing hands frequently with liquid soap and using disposable
towels is advised. Use plain soap and warm water and wash for at least
20 seconds. Waterless hand cleaners (alcohol-based) may be substituted
for a hand wash if hands are not visibly soiled.
Hand washing is the single most important procedure for preventing the
spread of infection.
- Build up your immune system. This means eating a proper diet, having
regular exercise, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding
smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth or wash your hands thoroughly
before you do.
- Do not share towels, bedding, eating utensils, drinks, or
cigarettes.
- Maintain good ventilation in your living and working quarters.
- Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
- Seek medical assistance promptly if you develop respiratory symptoms.
- Wear a mask if visiting or caring for someone with SARS or when in an
area where SARS is known to have occurred.
- Clean and wash furniture and other surfaces regularly with a
disinfectant cleaner, e.g., 1 part bleach to 99 parts water.
What should I do if I think I have SARS?
If you are ill with fever accompanied by cough or difficulty breathing,
you should consult a health care provider. To help your health care
provider make a diagnosis, tell him/her about any recent travel to areas
where cases of SARS have been reported and whether you were in contact
with someone who had these symptoms.
What is being done to combat this health threat?
The CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC); deployed
CDC scientists to assist the WHO in the global investigation; is assisting
state and local health departments in investigating possible cases of SARS
in the United States; and is analyzing laboratory specimens to identify
the cause for SARS and develop a test to readily detect it. The CDC and
the WHO are communicating regularly with public health professionals,
government officials, clinicians and the general public.
Is there any reason to think SARS is or is not
related to terrorism?
Information currently available about SARS indicates that people who
appear to be most at risk are either health care workers taking care of
sick people or family members or household contacts of those who are
infected with SARS. The pattern of transmission is what is typically
expected in a contagious respiratory or flu-like illness.
For additional information, contact CMU Health Services, 989-774-3944 or
e-mail:
healthservices@cmich.edu.
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