SARS

 Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia. In 2002, the SARS coronavirus (corona: the virus' structure is similar to that of a crown) spread in Southern China's Guangdong Province. Throughout 2002 and 2003, the virus continued to spread to Hong Kong, neighboring countries in Asia, Canada and the United States.  The Guangong province is especially susceptible to flu-causing viruses due to the risky and frequently practiced cuisine rituals. For instance, the routine of bringing animals, animal parts, and humans into close proximity, allowing pathogens to leap from animal to human hosts, genetically mutating as it moves. Consequently, many of the first SARS cases were among food handlers. At first, Chinese health officials stayed quiet about the outbreak; no precautions were taken to limit travel, isolate infected individuals or test people. Meanwhile, the disease was spreading across cities and borders. However, when the World Health Organization identified SARS as a world threat and word spread, a response was initiated (Treatment & Response- SARS).  According to the World Health Organization, there were 8,422 cases of SARS and 916 resulting deaths worldwide in the 2002-2003 pandemic. This is a 10.9% fatality rate. Generally, SARS is less fatal in human hosts that are younger. The fatality rate for those infected with SARS is as follows:  The Guangdong Province (labeled in red)
 * Background**
 * less than 1% for people 24 or younger
 * 6% for people from the age of 25-44
 * 15% for people 45-64
 * and over 50% for those over 65


 * Brief TIMELINE**

1) 64-year old Guangdong man (the "superspreader") went to a Hong Kong wedding with a fever, spreading the virus to hotel patrons (other Chinese, Americans, and Canadians). 2) The infected visitors spread SARS to their countries. 3) Businessman Johnny Chen travelled from Hong Kong to Hanoi. 4) Chen Infected 20 health care workers, including Carlo Urbani, a WHO worker who identified the disease on February 28, 2003. 5) The epidemic grew...

Structure- SARS Transmission- SARS Symptoms & Disease Progression- SARS Pathogenesis- SARS Treatment & Response- SARS Contributing Factors- SARS

Citations- SARS