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Sars - Basic Facts , Symptoms, Protection, Risk , Spreading ... A New Disease Called Sars - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a new disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The disease was first reported among people in Guangdong Province (China), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Hong Kong. It has since spread to other countries. As of April 1, more than 70 cases of SARS had been reported in the United States. This fact sheet describes the disease and important guidelines for preventing the spread of SARS. Symptoms of SARS In general, SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]. Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing. How SARS Spreads Public health experts think that SARS is spread by close contact between people. SARS is most likely spread when someone sick with the disease coughs droplets into the air and someone else breathes them in. It is possible that SARS also can spread more broadly through the air or from touching objects that have become contaminated. Who Is at Risk For SARS Cases of SARS continue to be reported mainly among people who have had direct close contact with an infected person, such as those sharing a household with a SARS patient and health care workers who did not use infection control procedures while taking care of a SARS patient. In the United States, there is no indication of community spread at this time. CDC continues to monitor this situation very closely. What You Should Do to Protect Yourself CDC has issued interim guidelines for patients with suspected SARS
in the healthcare setting and in households. These guidelines may
change as we learn more about SARS. If you get sick with the symptoms
described above and have been in close contact with someone who might
have SARS, see your health care provider and follow the guidelines
below. More info and news SARS Virus Identified
- Scientists Identify Virus Behind Deadly SARS
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