The following text is adapted from the Health Canada and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web sites
What is severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)?
SARS is an infection in which affected individuals develop a fever of more than 38.0 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), severe fatigue, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. In some cases, the respiratory symptoms become increasingly severe, and people require oxygen support and mechanical ventilation. Other symptoms of SARS include muscle aches and pains, severe headaches and sore throat.
What is the cause of SARS?
The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg continues to do extensive research into the cause of SARS. In many of the specimens from Canadian cases, there is evidence of a previously unrecognized form of coronavirus. There is also some evidence of human metapneumovirus. Although the cause of SARS is not certain, there is a strong indication that it is linked to the coronavirus, with the possibility that other factors also contribute.
How is SARS spread?
The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. Most cases of SARS have involved people who cared for or lived with someone with SARS, or had direct contact with infectious material (for example, respiratory secretions) from a person who has SARS. Potential ways in which SARS can be spread include touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eye(s), nose, or mouth. This can happen when someone who is sick with SARS coughs or sneezes droplets onto themselves, other people, or nearby surfaces. It also is possible that SARS can be spread more broadly through the air or by other ways that are currently not known.
If I were exposed to SARS, how long would it take for me to become sick?
The incubation period for SARS is typically 2 to 7 days; however, isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as 10 days.
What can be done to help prevent the spread of SARS?
Practising good personal hygiene is a key to stopping the spread of this disease. Thorough hand-washing with a disinfectant or using hot, soapy water and lathering for at least 20 seconds. This is because disease-causing micro-organisms can frequently be found on the hands.
Should members of the general public wear a mask as protection against SARS?
Masks are not recommended for use by the general public. The only exception would be a person having come into close contact with a SARS-affected individual.
Where can I find up-to-date information on SARS?
Health Canada Web site: http://www.sars.gc.ca
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
Information for the public: 1-800-454-8302
Ontario: 1-866-797-0007
Toronto: 416-338-7600
Sources: CP, AFP, AP and Reuters
