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SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known as SARS, is a viral respiratory illness first identified in early 2003, after initially appearing in southern China in November 2002. SARS is caused by an infection with the SARS virus, which is a coronavirus that was unrecognized prior to the SARS outbreak. The SARS virus is spread through close contact with an infected person, usually through the air or by touching a contaminated surface. The only proven cure for this condition is time, so treatment goals are focused on providing relief of symptoms and complications as the body fights the SARS virus.

 

An Introduction to SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new viral respiratory illness first identified in humans in early 2003, after first appearing in southern China in November 2002.
 

Causes of SARS

SARS is caused by an infection with the SARS virus. The SARS virus is a previously unrecognized coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
 

Transmission of SARS

The SARS virus is spread through close contact with an infected person. It can be passed either through the air or by touching a contaminated surface.
 

Incubation Period for SARS

The time between exposure to the SARS virus and the onset of SARS symptoms is called the incubation period. The incubation period for SARS is typically two to seven days, although in some cases, it may be as long as 10 days. In a very small proportion of cases, incubation periods of up to 14 days have been reported.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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