What you should know about SARS
With more than 2,200 infected and 78 dead till date, SARS (or Severe AcuteRespiratory Syndrome) has become a cause of concern around the globe. Here’swhat is known of the mystery disease and how to prevent it:
What is SARS?
According to the World Health Organisation, SARS is a virus that affects therespiratory tract (lungs). The main symptoms of SARS are high fever (> 38°Celsius), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Changes inchest X-rays indicative of pneumonia also occur. SARS may be associated withother symptoms, including headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite,malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhoea. Its incubation period is short,estimated to range from 2-7 days, with 3-5 days being more common.
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Geographically, the outbreak seems to centre around China's Guangdongprovince, near Hong Kong. From an epidemiological standpoint, no one knows whereSARS comes from, where it began, or how it infected its first victim. As of 24March, cases had been reported from thirteen countries. Of these, four countrieshave only imported cases with no documented local transmission, indicating thatthe disease is not spreading in these countries and residents are not at risk.
China 1190 cases (46 deaths)
Hong Kong 708 (16)
Singapore 95 (4)
Vietnam 58 (4)
Canada 58 (6)
Thailand 7 (2)
(Source: BBC)
Who is at risk?
Theoretically, anyone who is within coughing or sneezing distance of someoneinfected with SARS can come down with the virus. Those who live or work in closequarters like housing projects or hospitals appear to be most at risk. Peoplediagnosed with SARS are generally isolated from the general public, and healthcare workers who treat these patients are at significant risk for the disease,and should wear filter masks, goggles, aprons, head covers, and gloves when incontact with SARS patients.
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How can I protect myself from SARS?
In countries (like India) where no case has yet been reported there is noimmediate cause of alarm. But, this illness can be severe and, due to globaltravel, has spread to several countries in a relatively short period of time.However, SARS is not highly contagious when protective measures are used, andthe percentage of cases that have been fatal is low.
People who live in hard-hit areas like Hong Kong, which is adjacent toGuangdong, should follow local health officials' instructions and keep theirdistance from people known to be infected. Travellers should note that WHO nowrecommends that visits to Hong Kong or the Guangdong Province be postponed,unless the travel is "essential."
Is SARS an agent of bio-terror?
WHO says there is no reason to believe the outbreak of SARS is the result ofbio-terrorism.
While some hospitals have administered antibiotics to affected patients, thedrugs do not appear to help.At the moment, the only treatment is isolation,observation and "supportive care," or rest and liquids. A significantnumber of patients in Vietnam have improved as a result of good supportive care.
