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For the very best and latest information on SARS that is updated daily, check these sites
SARS from Center for Disease Control
SARS from World Health Organization
SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Symptoms of SARS
SARS symptoms begin with a fever greater than 100.4 F. Other symptoms may include headache, overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. After 2-7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing.
How does SARS spread?
The primary way SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. Most cases of SARS have involved people who cared for or lived with someone with SARS, or had direct contact with infectious material, such as respiratory secretions, from a person who has SARS. Other potential ways SARS can spread include touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. An example is when someone with SARS coughs or sneezes droplets onto themselves, other people, or nearby surfaces. It is also possible SARS can be spread more broadly through the air or by other ways that are presently unknown.
Who is at risk for SARS?
Most US cases of SARS have occurred among travelers returning to the US from other parts of the world affected by SARS. There have been very few cases resulting from close contact with family members or healthcare workers. Presently, there is no evidence that SARS is spreading more widely in the communities in the United States.
What causes SARS?
Scientists at the Center for Disease Control and other laboratories have detected a previously unrecognized coronavirus in patients with SARS. This new coronavirus is the leading hypothesis for causing SARS.
What is CDC doing about SARS?
CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners in a global effort to address the SARS outbreak. The CDC has taken the following action:
-Activated its Emergency Operations Center to provide round-the-clock coordination and response
-Committed more than 300 medical experts and support staff to work on the SARS response
-Deployed medical officers, epidemiologists, and other specialists to assist with on-site investigations around the world
-Provided ongoing assistance to state and local health departments in investigating possible cases of SARS in the US
-Conducted extensive laboratory testing of clinical specimens from SARS patients to identify the cause of the diesase
-Initiated a system for distributing health alert notices to travelers who may have been exposed to cases of SARS
Should I personally be concerned about SARS?
If travelling to areas or working in close proximity to someone affected by SARS, you should use good common sense and adequate precautions. Worldwide there have been been 8100 cases reported but fewer than 775 deaths linked to SARS during the outbreak of 2003. SARS is presently under control. In comparison, in the US alone, about 36,000 deaths and 115,000 hospitalizations are attributed to influenza EVERY YEAR. To which of these are you at greater risk, SARS or Influenza? What precautions are you willing to take?
SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare
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