SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that first appeared in February 2003. It has been reported on several continents. It has been a deadly illness for a small percentage of people. Most people will have a mild illness and recover. It is important to stay informed about SARS since more information is available every day.

One of the most important things a person can do is to know the symptoms of SARS and what should be done if the symptoms develop. The symptoms of SARS usually start with a fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 degrees Centigrade) or higher. A digital thermometer should always be used to take temperatures. Other symptoms like chills, headache, a general "ill feeling," or body aches may occur with the fever, along with mild respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and a runny nose. Within 2 to 7 days, a dry cough may start and may be followed by difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Anyone with these symptoms, especially if they have traveled outside the country to an area where SARS has been reported or know that they were exposed to someone with SARS, should stay at home and call a healthcare provider immediately. Always tell each provider about any exposure to SARS or travel out of the country. This is important so that a provider may take precautions to protect others and themselves.

The symptoms of SARS usually start 2 to 7 days after a person has been exposed to SARS, but it may take up to 10 days before the first symptoms appear. SARS is spread by close person-to-person contact. Travel to or through an area that has community spread of SARS or living with or caring for someone with SARS are the risk factors for getting SARS that have been identified at this point. Touching something an infected person has touched or coughed near, and then touching the fingers to the mouth, nose, or eyes can spread SARS. It may also be spread in other ways that are not yet known.

People who may have been exposed to SARS should watch for the symptoms of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms develop, do not have contact with people outside the home. This includes not going to work, school, child-care, church, shopping, and other public places. It is important to watch for any of the symptoms for the next 10 days. This includes taking and recording a temperature every day. It is not necessary to limit activity unless symptoms start. Someone from the health department may call every day for 10 days to see if any symptoms develop.

There are tests to help the provider diagnose SARS. Specific tests for the virus that appears to cause SARS are being developed. Testing may also include a chest x-ray, measurement of blood oxygen levels, blood draws, and a throat culture. Testing for other viral illnesses, such as type A or B flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), may be done. If the provider suspects SARS, it must be reported to the public health department for follow-up.

Certain precautions must be taken if SARS is suspected or when diagnosed to limit exposure to other people. Anyone who thinks they may have SARS should follow these precautions until they have been evaluated by a healthcare provider. If diagnosed with SARS, the precautions must be followed for 10 days after the fever and other symptoms are gone. These precautions include:

staying at home and limiting contact with others
covering the mouth and nose with a new tissue when coughing or sneezing
frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
not sharing silverware, dishes, towels or bedding, and washing them with hot water and soap before use by others and
using a household disinfectant frequently to clean surfaces that have been touched or used by the person with SARS, including toilets and sinks

Continue doing all of these things until 10 days after the fever and other symptoms are gone.

People, who live with a person or care for a person who has SARS, must use the same precautions as the person with SARS uses. Hand washing is very important, especially after contact with the person with SARS.

The website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted travel advisories for those who need to travel. Travel may be discouraged to certain countries or areas. Anyone who has traveled to or changed planes in an area where cases of SARS have been reported should monitor their health for 10 days after their return. Follow the recommended actions if a fever or other respiratory symptoms develop.

SARS is a serious disease but will not affect most people. Following all precautions can help prevent it from becoming a more serious health problem. For more information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization website at www.who.int.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4990.rf2 VRS# 4990 Data Version 7.0