| |
Sars Alert!  The World Health Organization calls Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, a new communicable disease that is a global health threat. More than 2,800 people have recently fallen ill from the potentially fatal disease, which has spread around the globe by air travel.
What is SARS?
SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America and Europe. It is thought to be caused by a new strain of a familiar virus. After an incubation period of several days to a week or so, symptoms develop that include fever, cough or difficulty breathing. The current mortality rate is 3 to 5 percent. The virus appears to be spread only through close personal contact.
To date, SARS has affected people who have spent time in Hong Kong, Hanoi, Singapore or the Guangdong province of China, or health care providers or close family contacts of index cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not instituted or recommended quarantine for travelers coming to the U.S. from these areas, unless a traveler becomes ill with symptoms suggestive of the illness. Travelers from these areas are receiving health alert notices from the CDC. The CDC Web site is a good resource for current information.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are high fever (greater than 38 C or 100.4 F), combined with a dry cough, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties. Chest X-ray indicates changes compatible with pneumonia.Other possible symptoms include headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhea.
How contagious is SARS?
SARS appears to be less infectious than influenza. Experts believe it spreads through close contact with an infected person, such as between family members or between patient and doctor.
However, it is still unknown what sort of virus or bacteria causes the illness. Scientists are focusing on the coronavirus family, which causes common colds, although other possibilities are also being explored.
The incubation period i.e. the length of time between exposure and symptoms emerging is estimated to range from two to seven days.
How is it treated?
A The best treatment is still unclear. Standard antiviral drugs and antibiotics do not appear to be effective although some patients in Hong Kong have shown favorable response to a cocktail of drugs including the antiviral drug Ribavirin and steroids.
What can be done to prevent SARS?
The illness can be severe but apart from the close contact with an infected patient is not thought to be highly contagious when simple protective precautions are taken.Health experts say it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and good ventilation in home and working environments. Washing hands with liquid soap and using disposable towels is recommended.Keeping windows open and putting on facemasks can also help prevent transmission of the infection.
Is it safe to travel?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised travellers heading for Hong Kong and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong to postpone non-essential travel to those areas because of the outbreak. Check their Web Site for latest alerts and advisories.U.S. and Canadian health officials also say travelers should consider postponing non-essential trips to areas at risk such as Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong or Guangdong province in southern China; and Singapore. WHO recommends those who have symptoms related to SARS and have a recent history of travel to the affected areas seek immediate medical attention and inform health care staff of recent travel.
How many cases have been reported worldwide?
More than 4,000 cases of SARS have been reported so far and the number is still climbing.
|
|
