SARS-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome |
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by: Dr. Michael Berman
SARS
is an infection which causes a fever and then respiratory symptoms like cough,
shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The respiratory symptoms can become
increasingly severe requiring oxygen and respiratory support.
Other symptoms of SARS include
muscle aches,
headaches,
and sore throat
This syndrome was first recognized in February 2003 in cities from around the world and primarily in Hong Kong. As of April 15th 2003, the World Health Organization has reported "3235 cases of SARS, 193 cases in the United States …"1
Patients with SARS pose a risk of transmission to close household contacts and health care personnel in close contact.
The duration of time before or after onset of symptoms during which a patient with SARS can transmit the disease to others is unknown. The latest research by the University of Hong Kong suggests that a coronavirus is the primary cause of the disease.
In most cases the disease is not fatal and with early detection and treatment there is a high chance of recovery.
There is an incubation period of 2 - 7 days.
The disease is transmitted by droplets and direct contact with a patient's secretions.
As the disease becomes more prevalent, diagnosis will be earlier and easier to make. At present the diagnosis can be made by elucidating the symptoms outlined above, a the travel history of the patient, a chest X-ray and more recently, a rapid test which has been developed to detect the coronavirus in patients.
Experience in Hong Kong shows that patients react favorably to Ribavirin (a broad spectrum antiviral drug) and steroid treatment. Other treatment methods are also being developed and tested.
As outlined by the CDC the following steps can be taken to help prevent contracting the disease:
Maintain good personal hygiene: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands immediately afterwards with liquid soap.
Use a disposable towel or a hand dryer to dry hands.
Develop a healthy lifestyle - proper diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and do not smoke.
Ensure good ventilation at home and in the office.
People with respiratory tract infections, or those caring for them, should wear a facemask.
Consult your doctor promptly if you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection.
According to the CDC, a facemask can help prevent the transmission of the disease. Make sure hands are washed before putting on a mask. A face mask should be worn by the following
- People with respiratory infection symptoms
- People who care for patients with respiratory infection symptoms
- People who have been in close contact with confirmed cases of atypical pneumonia should wear a face mask for at least 10 days from the last contact
- Health care workers
The
CDC recommends U.S. citizens consider deferring non-essential travel to areas
with a large number of SARS cases, including Mainland China and Hong Kong.
For
more information, visit CDC's SARS Web site, or call the CDC public response hotline
at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646
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