Table of Contents
What is the SARS Virus?;
SARS is a virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of the virus include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. SARS can be deadly and has killed hundreds of people around the world. There is no cure for the virus and there is no vaccine available. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the patient’s health.
Origin of SARS Virus
The SARS virus is believed to have originated in bats in southern China. Bats are known to carry a variety of viruses, including the SARS virus, and it is thought that the SARS virus may have jumped from bats to humans. However, the exact origin of the virus is still unknown.
Transmission of SARS Virus
The SARS virus is a type of coronavirus that is spread through close contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood. It is most commonly spread through coughing or sneezing, and can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can also be spread through contact with infected animals, such as camels, horses, and pigs. The virus is not spread through food or water.
Symptoms of SARS Disease
The symptoms of SARS disease are fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
SARS Virus Diagnosis
A diagnosis of SARS virus is typically made based on a person’s symptoms and recent travel history. A blood test may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Prevention of SARS Disease
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for SARS. However, people with SARS are treated with supportive care to help them recover. This may include oxygen therapy, fluids, and medication to help relieve symptoms.
Prevention of SARS disease includes:
-Wearing a surgical mask
-Washing hands often with soap and water
-Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
-Staying home if you are sick
Treatment for SARS Disease
The current global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has prompted intense research into potential treatments for the disease. The most promising potential treatments for SARS include ribavirin, interferon-alpha, and statins.
Ribavirin is a drug that has been used to treat a variety of viral infections, including hepatitis C and SARS. A study published in the journal Lancet in 2003 found that ribavirin was effective in treating SARS patients. Interferon-alpha is a protein that is produced by the body in response to viral infections. Studies have shown that interferon-alpha can help to clear SARS virus from the body. Statins are drugs that are used to lower cholesterol levels. A study published in the journal Lancet in 2003 found that statins may help to protect against SARS.
While these potential treatments show promise, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating SARS.
SARS Timeline
March 2002
The World Health Organization (WHO) issues a global alert about an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China.
February 2003
The global number of cases of SARS reaches its peak with 8,098 cases in 37 countries.
June 2003
The WHO declares the global outbreak of SARS over.
November 2003
The first case of SARS in the United States is identified in a man who had recently returned from Hong Kong.
January 2004
The last case of SARS is reported in the United States.
