by Dawn Dibartolo

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness and is caused by a SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In November 2002, SARS appears to have started in Guangdong Province, China, and by 2003 the illness had quickly spread to North America, South America, and Europe before being contained. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8,098 people from 29 countries, including 29 cases from the United States, became infected during the SARS outbreak of 2003, of which 774 people died.

SARS is spread through close person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be propelled up to 3 feet, and when deposited onto the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes, the recipient can become infected. The illness can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of SARS include an initial high fever (temperatures greater than 100.4 F), followed by headache, overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. In addition, an infected person may experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset. Roughly 10 to 20 percent of patients have diarrhea. SARS-infected individuals, after 2 to 7 days may develop a dry cough and most patients develop pneumonia.

Diagnosis

A conclusive diagnosis of SARS is based on specific laboratory test results which include positive chest x ray findings of atypical pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment regimens for SARS are still developing. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed initially due to the presenting features being non-specific in nature; however they are largely ineffective against SARS and are typically withdrawn upon the exclusion of other pathogens. Antipyretics with supplemental oxygen and assisted ventilation support are used in SARS patients complicated by respiratory failure. There have been implications that corticosteroids in combination with the antiviral drug ribavirin may help, and this is the most frequently administered antiviral agent for SARS. However, some clinicians suspect that ribavirin may in fact be detrimental.

Research

Researchers are currently testing all known antiviral treatments for the SARS-causing coronavirus. For instance, immunomodulatory therapy during the hyper-immune phase of SARS may be an important treatment component. Chinese researchers reported in December 2004 that they had produced a SARS vaccine, having tested it on a group of 36 volunteers, 24 of whom developed antibodies against the virus. Another approach, traditional herbal medicines used in conjunction with Western medicine, is believed to have been effective in the treatment of SARS.

Travel

Immediately following the 2003 outbreak, travel was being restricted in infected areas to only those essential personnel. However, as of May 3, 2005, there were no known SARS transmissions anywhere in the world.

Reporting SARS

Suspect and probable cases of SARS should be reported immediately to:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A.
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (800) CDC-INFO

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