SARS 6/2010
What is SARS?
SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness that was recognized as a global threat in March 2003, after first appearing in Southern China in November 2002. The illness usually begins with a fever. The fever is sometimes associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache, general feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset. After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry, nonproductive cough that might be accompanied by or progress to a condition in which the oxygen levels in the blood are low. Most patients develop pneumonia.
How is SARS spread?
The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. The SARS virus is thought to be transmitted most readily by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplet spread can happen when droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled a short distance (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of persons who are nearby. The virus also can spread when a person touches a surface or object contaminated with infectious droplets and then touches his or her mouth, nose, or eyes.
If I were exposed to SARS, how long would it take for me to become sick?
The time between exposure to SARS and the onset of symptoms is called the "incubation period." The incubation period for SARS is typically 2 to 7 days, although in some cases it may be as long as 10 days. In a very small proportion of cases, incubation periods of up to 14 days have been reported.
How can I protect myself from SARS?
There are some common-sense precautions that you can take that apply to many infectious diseases. The most important is frequent hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol-based hand rub. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands and encourage people around you to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
How can I learn more about SARS?
To find out more information about SARS, visit the Center for Disease Control’s web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ .