SARS+(Severe+Acute+Respiratory+Syndrome)

oO SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) Oo

{ By Yen.Lin Tseng }

//What causes it? How is it transmitted?//
SARS, also known as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is a respiratory disease in humans which is caused by the SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It can be transmitted through contact with a person who is already infected with SARS, or transmitted through water droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. it is believed that civets, a mammal with a cat-like appearance, may have been the source of transmission of SARS from animals to humans.

//What are the symptoms? How long do they last? Is it deadly? //
Initial symptoms are flu-like and include cough, fever, and sore throat. SARS can cause pneumonia and is fatal in some patients. In the 2003 outbreak, slightly less than 10% of believed SARS cases resulted in death. The only common symptom to all SARS patients is a fever of above 38°C.

//Can it be cured? If so, how? If not, is there any way that we can at least treat it? //
Antibiotics are ineffective as SARS is a viral disease. Treatment of SARS so far has been largely supportive with antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support as needed. Also used were steroids and the antiviral drug Ribavirin, but no published evidence has supported this therapy.

//SOURCES: //
1.) //Severe acute respiratory syndrome//, Retrieved August 21, 2011, fm. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SARS#Treatment 2.) //SARS Information Resource//, Retrieved August 21, 2011, fm. http://sarsprotection.com/future.html