Summary about Disease
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first identified in 2003 after an outbreak that began in Asia and spread to other parts of the world. SARS is characterized by flu-like symptoms and can progress to severe pneumonia and respiratory distress.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of SARS include:
Fever (usually high, above 100.4°F or 38°C)
Dry cough
Headache
Muscle aches
Malaise (a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease)
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) – this can develop later in the illness Some people may also experience diarrhea.
Causes
SARS is caused by the SARS-CoV virus, a type of coronavirus. The virus spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact. This typically happens via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Medicine Used
There is no specific antiviral medication proven to be effective against SARS-CoV. Treatment is primarily supportive, aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:
Oxygen therapy
Mechanical ventilation (if respiratory failure occurs)
Fever-reducing medications (antipyretics)
Pain relievers (analgesics)
Antibiotics may be used to treat secondary bacterial infections.
In some cases, corticosteroids or ribavirin were used during the 2003 outbreak, but their effectiveness was not definitively proven.
Is Communicable
Yes, SARS is a communicable disease. It is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when they cough or sneeze. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
Precautions
The following precautions can help prevent the spread of SARS:
Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Wearing a mask when in close contact with others, especially if you have respiratory symptoms.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then discarding the tissue properly.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Isolating individuals who are suspected of having SARS to prevent further spread.
How long does an outbreak last?
The SARS outbreak in 2003 lasted approximately from November 2002 to July 2003. The duration of an outbreak can vary depending on the effectiveness of containment measures, such as isolation, quarantine, and travel restrictions.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of SARS involves:
Clinical Evaluation: Assessment of symptoms, medical history, and travel history.
Laboratory Tests:
RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): To detect the SARS-CoV virus in respiratory samples (e.g., nasal swabs, throat swabs, sputum).
Antibody Tests (Serology): To detect antibodies against the SARS-CoV virus in blood samples. These tests may be more useful later in the course of the illness.
Chest X-ray or CT Scan: To look for signs of pneumonia or other lung abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
The typical timeline of SARS symptoms is as follows:
Incubation Period: 2-7 days (range: 2-10 days) – time between infection and the start of symptoms.
Initial Symptoms (Days 1-7): Fever (often high), chills, headache, muscle aches, malaise. Some may have mild respiratory symptoms.
Progression (Days 7-10): Lower respiratory symptoms develop, including dry cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia may develop.
Severe Illness (Days 10-14): Some patients develop severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization and mechanical ventilation.
Important Considerations
SARS is a serious illness with a significant mortality rate (estimated around 10% during the 2003 outbreak).
Rapid identification and isolation of cases are crucial for controlling outbreaks.
Healthcare workers are at increased risk of infection and must adhere to strict infection control measures.
While there hasn't been a widespread SARS outbreak since 2003, the emergence of new coronaviruses (like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19) highlights the importance of continued surveillance and preparedness for future outbreaks.
Travel history to affected areas should be considered in individuals presenting with compatible symptoms.