SARS

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Fatal respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus.
SARS appeared in 2002 in China. It spread worldwide within a few months, although it was quickly contained. SARS is a virus transmitted through droplets that enter the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. No known transmission has occurred since 2004.

Symptoms

SARS usually begins with flu-like signs and symptoms — fever, chills, muscle aches, headache and occasionally diarrhea. After about a week, signs and symptoms include:

  • Fever of 100.5 F (38 C) or higherb
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • problems breathing, including shortness of breath
  • headache
  • body aches
  • loss of appetite
  • malaise
  • night sweats and chills
  • confusion
  • rash
  • diarrhea

How SARS spreads

Most respiratory illnesses, including SARS, spread through droplets that enter the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. Most experts think SARS spreads mainly through close personal contact, such as caring for someone with SARS. The virus may also be spread on contaminated objects — such as doorknobs, telephones and elevator buttons.

Risk factors

In general, people at greatest risk of SARS are those who have had direct, close contact with someone who's infected, such as family members and health care workers.

Complications

Many people with SARS develop pneumonia, and breathing problems can become so severe that a mechanical respirator is needed. SARS is fatal in some cases, often due to respiratory failure. Other possible complications include heart and liver failure.

People older than 60 — especially those with underlying conditions such as diabetes or hepatitis — are at the highest risk of serious complications.

Prevention

Researchers are working on several types of vaccines for SARS, but none has been tested in humans. If SARS infections reappear, follow these safety guidelines if you're caring for someone who may have a SARS infection:

  • Wash your hands. Clean your hands frequently with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear disposable gloves. If you have contact with the person's body fluids or feces, wear disposable gloves. Throw the gloves away immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Wear a surgical mask. When you're in the same room as a person with SARS, cover your mouth and nose with a surgical mask. Wearing eyeglasses also may offer some protection.
  • Wash personal items. Use soap and hot water to wash the utensils, towels, bedding and clothing of someone with SARS.
  • Disinfect surfaces. Use a household disinfectant to clean any surfaces that may have been contaminated with sweat, saliva, mucus, vomit, stool or urine. Wear disposable gloves while you clean and throw the gloves away when you're done.
Follow all precautions for at least 14 days after the person's signs and symptoms have disappeared. Keep children home from school if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms within 14 days of being exposed to someone with SARS.

How Can SARS Be Treated?

There is no confirmed treatment that works for every person who has SARS. Antiviral medications hydroxy chloroquine with Azithromycin and steroids  are sometimes given to reduce lung swelling, but aren’t effective for everyone.

Supplemental oxygen or a ventilator may be prescribed if necessary. In severe cases, blood plasma from someone who has already recovered from SARS may also be administered. However, there is not yet enough evidence to prove that these

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