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Leading scientist worldwide investigating the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) confirm that a novel coronavirus

is the primary cause of the disease.


SARS was first reported in China in November 2002, with over 8,300 cases and 812 deaths reported by the beginning of July 2003.

Asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness with a temperature of >100.4F (>38C). One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing or hypoxia).

1.

Travel (including transit in an airport) within 10 days of the onset of symptoms to an area with current or previously documented or suspected community transmission of SARS.

2. Close contact within 10 days of the onset of symptoms with a person known or suspected to have SARS.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
1. The primary mode of transmission appears to be direct. Mucous membranes (especially those of the eye, nose and mouth) are always involved. 2. Transmission through casual and social contact occasionally occurs as a result of intense exposure to a case of SARS (in workplace, in vehicles) or in high risk transmission settings, such as healthcare and household settings.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
3. Contact with infectious respiratory droplets and/or through exposure to fomites.

4. Contamination of inanimate materials or objects by infectious respiratory secretions or body fluids (saliva, tears, urine, and stools) which have been found to contain the virus.

For how long will the SARS virus exist on surfaces?


1. The virus is stable in urine and feces at room temperature for at least one to two days and in stools from patients with diarrhea for up to 4 days. 2. It survives on paper, on a plastered wall after 36 hours, on a plastic surface or stainless steel after 72 hours and on a glass slide after 96 hours.

For how long will the SARS virus exist on surfaces? 3. Hospital environmental samples from a number of sites, including walls and ventilation systems, have tested positive for SARS virus. 4. The virus loses its infectivity after exposure to different commonly used disinfectants and fixatives. Heat at 56C rapidly kills the virus.

For how long will the SARS virus exist on surfaces?


5. Other risk factors: a) Household contact with a probable case of SARS b) Increasing age c) Male sex

What are the signs and symptoms of SARS?


1. Sudden onset of high grade fever, usually greater than 38C 2. Headache and overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. 3. Mild respiratory symptoms at the onset; after two days, dry cough and respiratory difficulty

Treatment
No specific treatment recommendations can be made at this time. Empiric therapy should include coverage for organisms associated with any community acquired pneumonia of unclear etiology, including agents with activity against both typical and atypical respiratory pathogens. Treatment choices may be influenced by the severity of the illness.

Clinical course and management of SARS


1. It is difficult to decide on the appropriate time to discharge a SARS patient. 2. SARS appears to have lingering after effects once the acute phase of the disease ends. 3. The psychosocial aspects of this illness should not be under estimated.

Preventive Measures
1. Consult a doctor promptly if there are respiratory symptoms such as fever, malaise, chills, headache, joint pain, dizziness, rigors, cough, sore throat and runny nose. 2. Build up good body immunity. This means having a proper diet, getting regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

Preventive Measures
3. Practice good personal hygiene. Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. 4. Wear a mask if you develop a runny nose, sore throat or cough. 5. Wear a protective mask in public areas, classrooms, computer rooms, public transport. 6. Wash hands properly and keep them clean. Use liquid soap for hand washing and disposable towels for drying hands.

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