by Trent Lorcher

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a respiratory illness spread through droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough, was first reported in Asia in February, 2003. It spread quickly throughout China and surrounding countries. SARS outbreaks have occurred in over two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, causing the World Health Organization, in 2005, to issue an official travel warning for anyone traveling to and from China. Although the warning has since expired, the danger of SARS has not.

SARS SYMPTOMS

SARS symptoms, similar to those of other viral infections, often progress to pneumonia within 7-10 days after infection. In extreme cases, approximately 10%, respiratory failure and even death result. Occurring 2-7 days after exposure, SARS symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, general discomfort, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Because of its seriousness, SARS symptoms should be investigated and treated immediately.

SARS TREATMENT

If fever or respiratory symptoms develop after exposure to the SARS virus, contact a healthcare professional immediately. If your medical caretaker suspects the SARS virus, he or she may administer chest x-rays, blood cultures, testing for viral agents, pulse oximetry, and sputum. Because no effective medical treatment has been devised for SARS, confirmed or suspected carriers of the virus should be isolated and should undergo aggressive treatment in a hospital. Critical care and breathing treatment is often required.

SARS CONTAINMENT

Those persons who have had direct contact with someone carrying the SARS virus have the highest probability of contracting the disease. Those with SARS or those who may have it should follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. These guidelines include limiting time outside the home for at least 10 days after symptoms have subsided, washing hands frequently, wearing disposable gloves when handling potentially infected items, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, wearing a surgical mask, and wiping any potentially infected item with disinfectant.

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