SARS
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 ...