Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease. It is caused by the SARS corona virus in humans. Between the months of November 2002 and July 2003, a near pandemic was listed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) concluding report (21 April 2004).
Worldwide 8,069 known infected cases and 774 deaths were reported. Within a few weeks, SARS spread from Guangdong province of China to some 37 countries around the world.
As of May 2003, mortality by age group is
1% for people aged 24 or younger
6% for people aged 25-44
15% for those in 45-64
More than 50% for those over 65
The spread of SARS was fully contained by May 2006. The last infected human case was seen in June 2003. However, it has not been eradicated completely. It may return into the human population in the future as it may still be present in its natural host reservoirs.
Symptoms Of SARS
The initial symptoms of SARS are flu-like and may include:
- myalgia
- fever
- cough
- lethargy
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- sore throat
The only common symptom seen among all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C. Difficulty in breathing may occur later.
Diagnosis Of SARS
A patient who has the following symptoms may be suspected to have SARS:
- Any of the above mentioned symptoms including a fever of or above 38 °C.
- A history of either
- Recent travel to any of the parts identified as areas with local transmission of SARS by the WHO ( includes China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Ontario in Canada).
- Casual or sexual contact with an infected person who has been diagnosed with SARS within the last 10 days.
WHO has approved some tests like PCR, ELISA and Immunofluorescence for confirming SARS in people afflicted with this syndrome.
Treatment For SARS
Researchers are yet to find a concrete method to treat SARS. Treatment of SARS largely rely on supplemented oxygen, antipyretics and ventilator support. Patients must be isolated to avoid contact with other persons as it is highly contagious in nature.
