SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS was initially reported in 2003 in Asia. The condition quickly spread across the globe and affected people in not just Asia but also Europe, North America and South America before finally being contained. There have been no known cases of the virus since 2004. However, a new SARS-like illness has appeared in the Middle East and Europe. This new outbreak has killed nearly 20 people since September 2012. Both conditions are caused by the coronavirus, and this new SARS-like virus is recalling vivid memories of the epidemic that swept across the globe sickening more than 8,000 people and killing 774.

Symptoms

SARS is believed to be spread through respiratory droplets that are sneezed or coughed and through close contact with infected people. A person may also be at risk by touching a surface that has been contaminated by infected droplets.

The condition generally begins with a high fever, headache, body aches and mild respiratory problems, much like symptoms of the flu. The condition quickly deteriorates, and most patients develop pneumonia within 2 to 7 days.

Eradication

The WHO and the CDC worked closely together to address and eradicate the virus soon after the outbreak, which primarily affected Hong Kong and mainland China. Epidemiologists, medical professionals and other specialists were deployed to assist with investigations and test clinical specimens so that they could identify the source of the disease and contain it.

Although this new virus is considered to have the potential to become a pandemic, influenza, which kills up to half a million people every year, is more likely to lead to pandemics, according to the CDC. The 1918 Spanish flu killed an estimated 40 million people, and three other pandemic flu outbreaks have occurred since then.

Prevention

Those who are most susceptible to this new outbreak are those who have traveled to an affected area as well as older people, those who are very young and those who have a weakened immune system. No vaccine exists against this virus, but you can protect yourself by washing your hands carefully and avoiding large groups of people. The CDC does not recommend face masks. If your doctor suspects you have been infected, he or she may recommend quarantine. He or she may also recommend tests to identify genetic markers, tests to identify antibodies and a chest X-ray to evaluate your lungs. Treatment with antipyretics can help control your fever.