Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-1 that can result in severe pneumonia (lung infection). This is different from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe pneumonia.
SARS first appeared in late 2002 in southern China. Between February and June 2003, it spread to other parts of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore and Canada. The SARS outbreak ended in July 2003.
There were a small number of cases in Asia in 2004, but outbreaks were quickly stopped. No known cases have occurred since then.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 7 days after exposure to the virus, though in some cases they may take up to 10 days to appear.
Symptoms of SARS include:
Some people may get other symptoms, including:
Some people who get SARS can develop severe pneumonia (lung infection).
SARS is usually spread by close person-to-person contact. This includes:
Occasionally, the virus may be spread more widely through the air by ill patients.People infected with the virus but not yet showing symptoms are not thought to be infectious.
People in close contact with a person who has SARS are most at risk of getting the virus. Overall, about 10% of people diagnosed with SARS have died, with a higher risk in the elderly or those with chronic disease.
There is no vaccine against SARS.
SARS is prevented by isolating people with SARS and quarantining their close contacts.
Healthcare workers caring for a patient with SARS are required to wear PPE to stop them from getting the infection.
SARS is diagnosed based on assessing whether someone has been exposed to the virus, their symptoms and test results.
Tests used to help diagnose SARS include:
Since there are currently no known cases of SARS, testing would only occur if a suspected case emerged.
There is no specific treatment for SARS. Doctors may recommend medicines to help manage and relieve symptoms.
People who have severe symptoms need to go to hospital for treatment.
A single confirmed case of SARS would likely trigger a public health emergency of international concern.
SARS is a notifiable disease in NSW. Doctors, hospitals and laboratories must report suspected cases of SARS to the local public health unit. The public health unit staff can help ensure appropriate diagnostic tests are done at a reference laboratory.
For further information, please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.