Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
SARS is a respiratory disease with symptoms ranging from mild illness
to severe pneumonia. Signs and symptoms include fever (over 100.4°
Fahrenheit) with cough or shortness of breath generally appearing from
two to ten days after exposure.
SARS Case
Definition | Wisconsin Response
Frequently Asked Questions | For More
Information
Link
to information for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
This link is external to the SARS Information Site
SARS Case
Definition
For a detailed case definition, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/casedefinition.htm
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Wisconsin Response
In Wisconsin, the Department of Health and Family Services has, through
the Division of Public Health and the local public
health agencies, an established network of health care
providers who are on constant alert for influenza-like illness.
This
system has adapted well to include detection of SARS-like symptoms.
Individuals who have been in contact with a person suspected of
having SARS should also be alert for any respiratory symptoms. Health care providers should report any unusual respiratory
illness they see among their patients to the Division of Public Health
by calling 608-267-9003.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes SARS?
Scientists at CDC and other laboratories have detected a previously
unrecognized coronavirus in patients with SARS. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that have a halo or crown-like
(corona) appearance when viewed under a microscope. These viruses are
a common cause of mild to moderate upper-respiratory illness in humans
and are associated with respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and
neurologic disease in animals.
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What are the symptoms of SARS?
For a severe respiratory illness to be SARS, there has to be a
history of travel to a SARS affected area, or close personal contact
with a person with SARS, within ten days before symptoms start. In
general, SARS begins with a high fever (temperature greater than 100.4F
[38.0C]). Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling
of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also have mild
respiratory symptoms at the outset. About 10 to 20 percent of
patients have diarrhea. After 2 to 7 days, patients develop a dry
cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia.
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How is SARS spread?
SARS is spread primarily by close person-to-person contact. The
virus that causes SARS is spread through respiratory droplets produced
when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus also can
spread when a person touches a surface or object contaminated with these
infectious droplets and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes.
In the context of SARS, close contact means having cared for or lived
with someone with SARS or having contact with respiratory secretions of
a patient with SARS. Examples of close contact include:
kissing or hugging, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or sustained
interaction within 3 feet of someone infected with SARS. Close
contact does not include walking by an infected person or sitting across
from an infected person for a short period of time
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After being exposed to SARS, how long does it take to become sick?
The incubation period for SARS is 2-10 days.
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Are there any restrictions for individuals identified as suspect
cases of SARS?
Yes, individuals suspected of having SARS should avoid contact with
others, including staying home from work, school or daycare, during
their illness and for ten days after their symptoms have disappeared.
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Are there any travel alerts or advisories
pertaining to SARS?
Visit the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SARS web site for travelers
for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories.
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Does an individual returning from an area affected with SARS need
to be quarantined or restricted from work, school, daycare or other
activities upon arrival to the United States?
No, only those who have signs and symptoms consistent with SARS
need to be restricted from normal activities.
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For more information on SARS, visit:
Last Revised: February 07, 2008 |
