by Karen Ellis

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

SARS: Symptoms and Treatment

What is SARS? It is Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a viral repertory disease reported to have started in China in 2002. Also known as the "Bird Flu," it's caused from a coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus. SARS in China was contained only after it had spread to more than 24 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 774 people died during the global outbreak, only 8 in the U.S. However, 8,098 became infected with the respiratory illness. SARS spreads primarily from person to person contact and can be transferred quickly through bodily fluids such as droplets from coughing or sneezing.

At the time of the last outbreak, the United Nations and other health organizations were gravely concerned of a possible flu pandemic. They were worried the virus could be spread among humans more easily if the virus mutated.

Besides the human loss of life, local economies have suffered due to the millions of chickens destroyed that may potentially contracted the disease.

Currently there are no known cases of theSARS virus according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms

The SARS symptoms usually begins with a high fever. The incubation period (time of contact to time of symptoms) is 2 to 7 days. A person is more contagious after they exhibit SARS symptoms. Some or all of these may occur in an infected person:

* Fever over 104 degrees, sometimes accompanied with chills
* Body ache and headache
* Respiratory difficulty
* Diarrhea
* Dry cough after 2 to 7 days
* Pneumonia

Diagnosis

Scientists are still developing an accurate test for the SARS disease. Until they do, doctors are using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test which is not always reliable for detecting SARS. Usually a diagnosis is reached in conjunction with the test and a patient interview which may report contact with an infected person.

Treatment

At this time there is no known drug for SARS, other than administering antibiotics for pneumonia which is usually contracted as a result of the respiratory disease. Although many different drugs, as well as antivirals have been tried, they have not been successful. It may take scientists years to come up with a drug that will combat the disease.

Protection Against Future Outbreaks

Protection used against a SARS outbreak would be the same as any infectious disease. Wash hands with soap and water, frequently. Keep an alcoholic hand rub with you for when washing hands is not possible. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and encourage those around you to do the same. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Where to Report

If you have information regarding a possible SARS contraction, or for further information contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/ or the World Health Organization, www.who.int.

Learn more about this author, Karen Ellis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.