Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that was recognized as a global threat in March 2003, after first appearing in Southern China in November 2002.The Disease -- What is SARS? -- What are the symptoms and signs of SARS? -- What is the cause of SARS? -- How is SARS spread? -- What does close contact mean? -- If I were exposed to SARS-CoV, how long would it take for me to become sick? -- How long is a person with SARS contagious? -- Is a person with SARS contagious before symptoms appear? -- What medical treatment is recommended for patients with SARS? -- If there is another outbreak of SARS, how can I protect myself? -- -- Current SARS Situation, 2004 -- What is the current SARS situation in the world? -- -- SARS-associated coronavirus -- What are coronaviruses? -- If coronaviruses usually cause mild illness in humans, how could this new coronavirus be responsible for a potentially life-threatening disease such as SARS? -- How long can SARS-CoV survive in the environment? -- -- Laboratory Testing -- Is there a laboratory test for SARS? -- What is a PCR test? -- What does serologic testing involve? -- What does viral culture and isolation involve?April 26, 2004.Mode of access: Internet from the CDC web site as Acrobat .pdf file (173.82 KB, 4 p. )
