SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome; ICD-10 U04.9, J17.1) refers to severe acute respiratory syndrome.
In 2002, an epidemic occurred in China with an outbreak in Guangdong Province, where more than 8,000 people became infected and approximately ten percent died from SARS. In the course of time, infections also occurred in other countries (especially Hanoi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Toronto).
The disease is caused by the Sars-CoV-1 coronavirus (SARS-associated coronavirus, SARS-CoV). The virus belongs to the coronavirus family (Coronaviridae).Other viruses in the coronavirus family include Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the currently rampant Sars-CoV-2 (synonyms: novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV); 2019-nCoV (2019-novel coronavirus; coronavirus 2019-nCoV)).
SARS is one of the viral zoonoses (animal diseases).
Natural reservoir of the pathogen is probably fruit bats (bats). The intermediate host is the civet cat (subfamily of creeping cats).
Transmission of the pathogen (infection route) occurs via droplets that are produced when coughing and sneezing and are absorbed by the other person via the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and possibly the eye (droplet infection) or aerogenically (through droplet nuclei (aerosols) containing the pathogen in the exhaled air). Smear infection is also conceivable. Transmission via sewage has not yet been proven.
Transmission before the onset of symptoms has not yet been described.
The pathogen enters the body parenterally (the pathogen does not enter via the intestine, but enters the body via the respiratory tract (inhalation infection)).
Human-to-human transmission: Yes
The incubation period (time from infection to onset of disease) is usually 2-10 days. The duration of the disease is approximately two weeks.
Sex ratio: balanced
Frequency peak: The maximum incidence of the infection is in adulthood.
Course and prognosis: Typical prodromal symptoms (precursor symptoms) are fever (> 38 °C), chills, headache and a general feeling of malaise. This is followed by an initially dry cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), sore throat, and in a quarter of cases, nausea, vomiting, or watery diarrhea (diarrhea). In severe cases of the disease, rapidly worsening dyspnea (shortness of breath) develops. This makes intensive medical treatment necessary in 20 % of those affected and often ends in ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). The mortality rate (mortality in relation to the total number of people suffering from the disease) is up to 50% depending on the age group affected. On average, it is reported to be 10 percent.
The disease does not lead to immunity.
Vaccination: Vaccines do not exist yet.
No disease- or pathogen-specific reporting obligation for infections due to SARS according to the IfSG, if necessary reporting according to § 6 para. 1 No. 5a (threatening disease) or b (accumulation of disease) IfSG or according to § 7 para. 2 IfSG (accumulation of evidence of pathogens), if this indicates a serious danger for the general public.
