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What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)? Updated July 17, 2003.
This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.
PDF
of the SARS Factsheet
SARS is a severe form of
pneumonia accompanied by a high fever.
At the present time, it is believed to be caused by a novel (new)
variety of the corona virus, and a reliable test for this virus is in the
process of development and testing. Individuals
who have had direct contact with a SARS patient, or have travelled to a
SARS-affected location, should watch for the following symptoms:
·
Sudden onset of fever (greater than 38 C or 100.4 F), AND
·
Respiratory symptoms, including unexplained cough, shortness of
breath, or difficulty breathing AND
·
Unexplained muscle aches, fatigue or severe headache.
How is SARS Spread?
It is believed the illness
is spread via droplets from coughing and sneezing or from direct
face-to-face contact with an ill person.
It may also be spread through contact with other bodily fluids,
particularly urine and faeces.
How is SARS treated?
Some patients with SARS
are being treated in hospital with antiviral agents, and all are receiving
supportive care.
Health departments are
working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health
Canada
and local hospitals to
ensure that cases of SARS are identified and managed appropriately.
Who is at risk?
·
Those who have travelled to a location or health care facility
currently affected by SARS, and who experience symptoms within 10 days of
their return.
·
Individuals who have come into close contact with a probable
case of SARS.
Many of the cases
worldwide have occurred in health care workers who have cared for SARS
patients, or in close family members who have had direct contact with an
ill relative.
What should I do if I
experience symptoms?
Individuals with symptoms
of SARS, who have travelled to a currently affected area or those who have
had contact with a SARS patient, should seek medical attention, but call
your doctor or emergency department first.
Consult the Health Canada
or the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) website for a list of current
SARS affected locations.
Can I travel to Southeast
Asia?
There are currently no
travel alerts posted for travel to any country due to SARS.
For more information about SARS
Contact
Ontario
’s Health Infoline at
1-888-668-4636 or visit the following websites:
Health
Canada
- www.hc-sc.gc.ca
W.H.O. - www.who.int
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