What is Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)?

Introduction:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The illness was first identified in 2002 in Guangdong, China, and spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before being contained in 2004.

What is Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)?

OVERVIEW

What is Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The illness was first identified in 2002 in Guangdong, China, and spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before being contained in 2004. SARS is a serious illness that can lead to severe respiratory distress, with a mortality rate of approximately 10%. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for SARS, so control measures such as isolation of infected individuals and quarantine of close contacts are important for preventing the spread of the illness.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

SARS is caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The virus is thought to have originated in bats, and it is thought to have been transmitted to humans through another animal, possibly the civet cat.

People who are at higher risk for SARS include:

• Healthcare workers who have close contact with infected individuals
• People who have traveled to areas with ongoing outbreaks of SARS
• People who have close contact with someone who has traveled to an area with an ongoing outbreak of SARS
• People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer
• Older adults, as may be more susceptible to severe illness from respiratory infections

SIGNS  AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of SARS can range from mild to severe. They typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea (in some cases)

As the illness progresses, some people may develop severe respiratory symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough with thick phlegm. In severe cases, SARS can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

It's important to note that not everyone with SARS will have the same symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all (asymptomatic). However, they can still spread the virus to others.

DIAGNOSIS

There is currently no specific test for SARS, so the diagnosis is typically made based on the combination of a person's symptoms, their medical history (including any recent travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks), and their exposure to others who have SARS.

To confirm the diagnosis, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following tests:

• Chest x-ray or CT scan to look for signs of pneumonia
• Blood tests to check for the presence of the SARS virus or antibodies to it
• Throat swab or sputum sample to test for the presence of the virus

It's important to note that it can take several days to receive test results, so treatment may be started before the diagnosis is confirmed.

If you suspect that you have SARS or have been exposed to someone with SARS, it's important to seek medical attention right away.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

There is currently no specific treatment for SARS. Management of the illness is supportive, which means that treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:

• Oxygen therapy to help with breathing
• Medications to reduce fever and ease muscle aches
• Fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration
• Careful monitoring of vital signs and oxygen levels
• In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, and patients may require mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.

It's important to note that there is currently no vaccine for SARS, so the best way to prevent the illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. This may include taking precautions such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and avoiding travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks of SARS.

COMPLICATIONS 

SARS can lead to serious complications, including:

• Pneumonia: This is an infection of the lungs that can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in older adults or people with compromised immune systems.
• Respiratory failure: This occurs when the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood. It can be caused by severe pneumonia or other complications of SARS.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the air spaces (alveoli) of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. ARDS can be caused by severe pneumonia or other complications of SARS.
• Other complications of SARS can include kidney failure, sepsis (a serious bloodstream infection), and blood clots.

PREVENTION AND PROGNOSIS

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for SARS, so prevention is the best way to protect against the illness. Measures that can help prevent the spread of SARS include:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wearing a mask in public, especially if you are in an area with ongoing outbreaks of SARS
• Avoiding travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks of SARS

If you do develop SARS, the prognosis (outcome) will depend on the severity of your illness and any underlying health conditions you may have. In general, the mortality rate for SARS is around 10%, but it can be higher in older adults or people with compromised immune systems. With proper medical care and supportive treatment, most people with SARS will recover.

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• Its causes and Risk Factors
• Signs and Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Complications 
• Preventions