SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
is a serious respiratory illness 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. Since then, the disease has spread rapidly across
a growing number of countries, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore
and Indonesia. Health officials in Canada and the United States
have reported imported cases.
The disease is highly contagious on close personal
contact with an infected person. It's spread by coughing and sneezing.
Signs and symptoms typically develop within 2 to 7 days after
exposure to a person with SARS.
On March 15, 2003, the World Health Organization
(WHO) issued an emergency global travel advisory, alerting all
travelers to the main signs and symptoms of SARS, which are:
High fever (greater than 100.4F or 38C)
Cough
Shortness of breath
Malaise
In addition, a person with a suspected case must have one of the
following:
Close contact with a person who has received a diagnosis of SARS
Recent travel to Asia
A doctor may diagnose SARS based on 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)
There are no specific treatment recommendations at this time.
Antibacterial medications aren't effective because SARS is a viral
infection.
WHO hasn't issued travel restrictions to any destination.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that people planning nonessential or elective travel to Asia may
consider postponing their trip until further notice.
If you have recently traveled
to Asia, monitor your health for at least 7 days after you return.
If you become ill with a fever accompanied by a cough or difficulty
in breathing, see a doctor promptly.
