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According to a World Health Organisation report, there were 8,096 known infected cases and 774 deaths worldwide from SARS between November 2002 and July 2003. Death from SARS was primarily due to viral pneumonia.
SARS is an atypical form of pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. This viral infection and deadly disease caused a global outbreak in 2003 that spread rapidly and severely tested communicable disease control practices in many countries. In Singapore, there were 238 cases and 33 deaths from the SARS outbreak. Since 2004, there have been no cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.
SARS Virus Causes and Risk Factors
SARS is caused by the SARS coronavirus, which is believed to have mutated from a virus found in small mammals.
Coronaviruses are named after their crown-like (corona) appearance under a microscope. These viruses are commonly associated with upper respiratory illness in humans. Like any other atypical pneumonia, SARS is a serious infection that can lead to death in some cases.
The SARS virus spreads through close contact with someone who is infected with SARS via droplet transmission when coughing or sneezing. Transmission may also be possible through touching objects contaminated with the infected virus when one then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.
SARS Signs and Symptoms
The SARS virus may cause the following symptoms:
• High fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius) with chills
• Body aches
• Dry cough or cough and breathing difficulty
• Muscle pains
• Sore throat
• Tiredness or malaise
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulty
Prevention
The best way of managing SARS during the outbreak was to prevent its spread by practising good personal hygiene. The prevention tips will be familiar because they are similar to how other common viruses are prevented.
Cover Your Nose/Mouth when Coughing or Sneezing
o With a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneezeo Wear a face mask when unwell and visiting your doctor
Wash Your Hands
o Before and after preparing foodo After going to the toileto Before and after eatingo After blowing your noseo After using your hand when coughing or sneezingo Before touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Build Up Your Immunity
o Quit smoking, which harms you and your familyo Eat lots of fruits and veggies for healthy nutrients that your body needs to defend itselfo Drink the equivalent of eight glasses of fluid dailyo Engage in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days a weeko Learn to relax and rest
Keep Your Environment Clean
o Do not throw leftover food on the floor or in the openo Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobso Do not leave food in common areas for stray animalso Do not spit on the floor and common areaso Throw used masks, tissue or litter into rubbish bins
Contain the Spread of Viruses
o Use a serving spoon when sharing food from a common disho Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes and towelso If you are unwell, see your doctor immediatelyo Wear a mask if you feel unwell and stay home until recovered
Contributed By
- Communicable Diseases Agency