SARS is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infectious, rapidly spreading, and possibly fatal viral infection. SARS was declared a threat to the world in March 2003- according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illness first surfaced in Southern China in November 2002 and spread to over 24 different countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. There have been no new cases of SARS in the United States of SARS since 2004, and the risk is minimal. Researchers tried to stop the spread of SARS in 2003. They learned more about the characteristics of SARS-CoV, which were not known before that. However, they’ve yet to identify the cause of the illness.
The SARS Pandemic
SARS was first recognised by researchers in China around 2002. There is a belief that a variant of the coronavirus usually only found in small mammals changed and could be extended to humans. The SARS virus quickly spread throughout China and countries, including Asian countries. A small number of cases were recorded across different countries, including four cases in the UK and a massive illness outbreak in Toronto, Canada.
The SARS epidemic was finally quelled in July of 2003. It was due to segregating people suspected of having the disease and examining passengers who travel by the air from countries with affected countries to look for symptoms of the disease. When the outbreak of SARS was, the most significant number of reported SARS cases was 774 deaths. The virus claimed the lives of 10% of those who were affected. Seniors over 65 were the most vulnerable, and over 50% of the victims died due to the disease falling into the same age group. The year 2004 was when a small SARS outbreak was traced to a medical laboratory in China.
What are the causes of SARS?
- A virus known as”SARS-associated coronavirus” (SARS-CoV) is responsible for the disease
- Coronaviruses typically cause mild and moderate upper respiratory symptoms in human beings. But, they may also cause animal respiratory, liver, digestive, and neurologic diseases
- For children, the incubation duration after exposure to infection can be between 2 and 7 days. However, the infection can last up to 10 days in some instances. But, not every person affected by the disease gets sick
What are the symptoms of SARS?
SARS is a virus that causes symptoms resembling flu that typically starts between 2 and 7 days following the infection. There are times when the period between the first contact with the virus and beginning manifestations (incubation period) could be as long as ten days.
The signs of SARS are as follows:
- A fever with a high temp
- Extreme tiredness
- Headaches
- Coolness
- Muscle pain
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhoea
After these symptoms, the infection could begin in your lungs, as well as in your airways (respiratory system), which can cause additional symptoms, such as:
- Dry cough, breathing difficulties
- An increase in the quantity of oxygen that is present in the blood. It can lead to death in the most extreme cases
SARS Vs. COVID-19
The SARS virus and COVID-19 are distinct respiratory illnesses due to coronaviruses. The name “coronaviruses” originates because the viruses look like a crown. The term “corona” refers to a crown. In Latin, it means crown.
The virus that is responsible for SARS is known as SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1. The virus responsible for COVID-19 is SARS-CoV-2.
There are numerous similarities between both viruses. In particular, the viruses share the following characteristics:
- Most likely, the origins of animals were before being discovered in humans
- They are passed from human to human through released drops of air
- And may cause symptoms like the feeling of being short of breath and fever. It can also cause coughing, fever, and headaches
What are the treatments for SARS?
The analysis is underway to develop an effective antiviral treatment to treat SARS. In the meantime, patients with SARS will likely receive supportive treatment, using fluids and oxygen to alleviate symptoms and antibiotics to treat and treat any secondary infection. However, antibiotics cannot eliminate this SARS virus.
How can we prevent SARS from spreading?
Avoid travelling to regions of the globe where there’s an uncontrollable SARS outbreak. To decrease the risk of contracting the virus, stay clear of contact with the SARS virus for ten days after symptoms have subsided.
To avoid spreading the disease To avoid spreading the infection, It is essential to
- Cleanse your hands thoroughly using an alcohol-based soap for your hands
- Protect your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze
- Be wary when sharing meals, drinks, and other items of daily use
- Often, surfaces are cleaned using disinfectants
It could be necessary to wear masks, gloves, and goggles to stop SARS from spreading in certain situations.
Conclusion
You should follow general health guidelines when you’re within the vicinity of an epidemic.
Experts from the CDC and WHO (World Health Organization) depend on the rapid identification of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) to stop spreading and affecting more people worldwide. Worldwide advisories help identify those susceptible to becoming affected by SARS due to their contact with sick individuals. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, there was a need to quarantine as a precaution to avoid spreading SARS.
CDC and WHO continue to collaborate on a global scale to combat SARS and stop the spread of new outbreaks.