Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory infection caused by coronavirus. It is a highly contagious infection, which can sometimes be fatal. SARS was first noted in the year 2003 in several parts of the world. The 2003 outbreak had an estimated 8,000 cases and 750 deaths. There has been no known case of SARS since 2004.

Causative & risk factors

SARS is caused by coronavirus, which is known to infect animals too. The origin of infection is believed to be through small animals in China. The virus underwent mutation and started infecting humans.

The mode of infection is through droplets when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects.

Clinical presentation

The symptoms of SARS are indistinct from the flu. The patient develops fever with chills, muscle pains, a dry cough, breathlessness and diarrhea. Other symptoms may be present such as runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and muscle pains.

Complications of SARS include pneumonia, respiratory failure and damage to the heart and liver.

Investigations

Blood tests can detect antibodies against the SARS virus and also the virus itself. A chest X-ray usually shows signs of pneumonia. A complete blood count is done. Other tests like PCR testing and blood clotting factors are suggested.

Treatment  

Being a viral disease, there is no targeted treatment for SARS. Once a patient is diagnosed with SARS, he must be kept isolated to avoid spread of infection.

Antibiotics can be given to treat the pneumonia. Steroids are given to fight the inflammation. Oxygen therapy is administered if necessary.

Statistics

SARS infected about 8,000 people and killed about 800; thus assuming a mortality rate of 10%. Owing to a global effort to contain the spread of SARS, there has been no reported case since the last 10 years.

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