SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)
MYSTERIOUS PNEUMONIA GROUP OF FLUE / INFLUENZA, FEVER , PNEUMONIA ?

Causes
Q.)What Causes SARS ?
Ans. Though the exact cause is not known and the Tests have not yet conclusively identified the causative agent of SARS. The possible involvement of an influenza virus was an initial concern. On March 25, CDC announced that its scientists had detected a previously unrecognized coronavirus in 2 patients with SARS. These findings are preliminary and do not provide conclusive evidence that coronavirus is the cause of SARS.
Coronaviruses
Q.) What are Coronaviruses ?
Ans. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under a microscope. These viruses are a common cause of mild to moderate upper-respiratory illness in humans and are associated with respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and neurologic disease in animals.
     Evidence to suggest that coronaviruses may be linked with SARS:
     CDC scientists were able to isolate a virus from the tissues of two patients who had SARS and then used several laboratory methods to characterize the agent.
     Examination by electron microscopy revealed that the virus had the distinctive shape and appearance of coronaviruses. Tests of serum specimens from patients with SARS showed that the patients appeared to have recently been infected with this coronavirus. Other tests demonstrated that coronavirus was present in a variety of clinical specimens from patients, including nose and throat swabs.
Incubation Period
Q.) What is the Incubation period for it?
Ans. Incubation Period ?Though SARS appears to be less infectious than influenza.The incubation period is short, estimated to range from 2-7 days, with 3-5 days being more common, however, isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as 10 days. However, the speed of international travel creates a risk that cases can rapidly spread around the world.
Q. ) What is SARS ?
Ans. SARS is termed for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It is an enigma since There is a very little knowledge available to the medical world about this condition as yet, as it is a disease of recent origin. The World Health organization (WHO) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an US Government recognized institute in Atlanta, have released information on SARS. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), an atypical pneumonia of unknown aetiology, was recognized at the end of February 2003. The WHO is co-ordinating the international investigation with the assistance of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and is working closely with health authorities in the affected countries to provide epidemiological, clinical and logistical support as required. Q.) What are the Sign & Symptoms of SARS?
Ans. The main symptoms of SARS are high fever (More than 100?F), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.The illness begins generally with a fever, and is sometimes associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache, malaise, and body aches. Some persons also experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset.
     After 3 to 7 days, the person may develop a dry, nonproductive cough that might be accompanied by or progress to the point where insufficient oxygen is getting to the blood.      In 10% to 20% of cases, patients will require mechanical ventilation.
     Changes in chest X-rays indicative of pneumonia also occur. The symptoms are similar to influenza (flu) and pneumonia, typical of any virus infection.
     SARS may be associated with other symptoms, including headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhoea. These are as observed in some patients evaluated by CDC and the WHO.