Hanapin
SARS
What is "severe acute respiratory syndrome"?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It first appeared in China in 2002 and quickly spread to other countries, causing a global outbreak. SARS is highly contagious and spreads primarily when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, releasing saliva or mucus. Symptoms typically include high fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and severe respiratory distress. The outbreak was controlled through public health measures such as isolation, quarantine, and travel restrictions. There is no specific treatment for SARS, so management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus.