SARS
Name:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Definition: SARS is a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus (species Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus of the genus Coronavirus), is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia First Discovered: 2002 Signs and Symptoms: Initial symptoms are flu-like and may include fever, myalgia, lethargy symptoms, cough, sore throat, and other nonspecific symptoms. The only symptom common to all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C. SARS may eventually lead to shortness of breath and pneumonia either by direct viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia which can lead to death. Causes: The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. The virus that causes SARS is thought to be transmitted most readily by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Prevention:
Diagnosis:
Treatment: Antibiotics are ineffective, as SARS is a viral disease. Treatment of SARS is largely supportive with antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation as needed. People with SARS must be isolated, preferably in negative pressure rooms, with complete barrier nursing precautions taken for any necessary contact with these patients. Some of the more serious damage caused by SARS may be due to the body's own immune system reacting in what is known as cytokine storm. As of 2015, there is no cure or protective vaccine for SARS that is safe for use in humans. The identification and development of novel vaccines and medicines to treat SARS is a priority for governments and public health agencies around the world. Fatality Rate: 9.6% |
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