SARS occupies the minds mainly because one still knows so little about it. SARS is the abbreviation for “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” and refers to a contagious respiratory disease of currently unknown cause. However, SARS is rarely fatal; with optimal medical care, in only 5% of cases.
How is the disease transmitted?
In the cases known to date, the disease has been transmitted almost exclusively through very close contact with the ill person, e.g., to nursing staff in hospitals or relatives or friends of the ill person. The mode of transmission is assumed to be droplet infection, which means that saliva containing the pathogen is sprayed (e.g. by coughing or sneezing). However, contact infection (smearing of germ-containing material) is also thought to be possible, or infection via the conjunctiva.
Who is at risk?
The only people at risk are those who have traveled to regions affected by SARS in the past 10 days or who have been in contact with infected persons who were in these regions before becoming ill and subsequently contracted pneumonia.
Don’t panic?
Flu-like symptoms after traveling to the aforementioned regions, however, do not necessarily mean that one is infected with SARS. This is because a wave of flu is also currently spreading in the affected areas. So it could also be a “harmless” flu. In addition, it is known that between infection and outbreak of SARS usually only four days pass. Those coming from high-risk countries should monitor their health until 10 days after returning.
Symptoms
The onset of a SARS infection is similar to the flu. Affected individuals feel unwell, have aching limbs, and develop a high fever within a short time. Soon after, a dry cough occurs, which worsens and can lead to shortness of breath. In addition, sore throat and muscle aches may develop, and as the disease progresses, it can turn into pneumonia. SARS may additionally be accompanied by headache, muscle stiffness, loss of appetite, nausea, confusion, rash, or diarrhea.
How is the disease treated?
Currently, there are no vaccination options and no medications that help against the disease. Therefore, only the symptoms can be treated.
Are there any precautionary measures?
Anyone traveling to the affected regions should avoid crowds and too close personal contact (e.g., shaking hands) for their own safety and, of course, avoid contact with people who may be ill. Simple respiratory masks can be worn as a protective measure (e.g. in public transport) – the information provided by the local health authorities should be followed. Thorough hand washing after contact with persons, use of sanitary facilities, and before eating is another important measure.