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The Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
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Defini:on Symptoms Causes Risk Factors Preven:on Treatment Defini&on
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness
caused by a virus called SARS-associated coronavirus. This disease was
first reported in China in November of 2002 and subsequently spread to
more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe,
and Asia over just a few months. More than 8,000 people became sick
from SARS during the 2003 outbreak. Of these, 774 died. Only eight
people in the United States were confirmed to have the virus but all of
these infected individuals had traveled outside the country to locations
infected with SARS. The disease did not spread any further in the United
States.
SARS is reportable to the Iowa Department of Public Health by Iowa
Administrative Code 641 IAC 1 and follow up on the disease is required,
so if diagnosed expect to be contacted by your local public health
department.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of SARS will begin within 10 days of infection and usually
include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise
• Body aches
Between two to seven days after initial symptoms, infected individuals
may develop a dry cough and have difficulty breathing. These symptoms
frequently progress to pneumonia.
Iowa Department of Public Health
May, 2011
Causes
SARS is caused by a virus called SARS-associated coronavirus, which was previously
unidentified prior to the 2003 outbreak in Asia. The disease is spread primarily by close
person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets produced when an infected
person coughs or sneezes. Particles in the air can also be infected making it possible
to become infected even after the person who coughed or sneezed has left the room.
Other ways to become infected include:
•
touching a surface or object contaminated by infectious droplets and then
touching their mouth, nose, or eyes
•
kissing or hugging an infected individual
•
sharing eating or drinking utensils with an infected individual
Risk Factors
Travelers to areas infected with SARS and people who have had potential
exposure or are caring for someone infected with SARS are at increased
risk of become infected. Persons with SARS are most likely to be
contagious when they are showing symptoms, such as fever or cough.
Infected individuals are most contagious during their second week of
illness and are no longer considered contagious 21 days after infection.
Prevention
People traveling to areas infected with SARS should avoid close contact
with infected individuals and should consider postponing their trip if there are
reports of SARS in the area. In addition, travelers should observe precautions
to safeguard their health such as frequent hand washing. If you develop
symptoms of SARS after traveling to a SARS-infected area, do not go to a
clinic or hospital without phoning first so that proper isolation precautions can
be immediately taken to prevent spread of the disease.
People caring for individuals infected with SARS should observe the following
precautions:
• Be sure that all members of the household are washing their hands
frequently with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand
wash
• Wear disposable gloves if you have direct contact with body fluids of
Iowa Department of Public Health
May, 2011
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a SARS patient and wash your hands after contact with the patient
Wear a surgical mask when you have close contact with the patient
Do not share silverware, towels, bedding or other items that have been
used by the patient
Clean surfaces such as counters and door knobs with a household
disinfectant and wear disposable gloves during cleaning
Follow these instructions for 10 days after the patientʼs fever and
respiratory symptoms have gone away
People suffering from SARS should observe the following precautions:
• Do not go to work, school or public areas
• Wash your hands often and well, especially after blowing your nose
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• If possible, wear a surgical mask when around other people in your
home
• Do not share silverware, towels, bedding or other items with other
people in your home
• Follow these instructions for 10 days after your fever and respiratory
symptoms have gone away
Treatment
Treatment for SARS often requires hospitalization, especially if breathing
problems occur. Patients are placed in isolation to prevent spread of the
disease. Many different medications are used to alleviate patientsʼ symptoms,
but there is no cure for SARS. Medications may include corticosteroids and
antiviral drugs.
If you develop symptoms of SARS, especially after traveling to a SARS-infected area
or caring for a person infected with SARS, you should seek treatment from your
healthcare provider immediately. However, do NOT go to a clinic or hospital without
phoning first so that proper isolation precautions can be immediately taken to prevent
spread of the disease.
Iowa Department of Public Health
May, 2011
Additional Resources
Public
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SARS Fact Sheet
CDC
Public Health
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IDPH Epi Manual SARS Chapter
SARS Fact Sheet
CDC
Schools
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SARS Fact Sheet
CDC
Business and Childcare
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SARS Fact Sheet
CDC
Health Care Providers
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IDPH Epi Manual SARS Chapter
SARS Fact Sheet
CDC
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Iowa Department of Public Health
May, 2011