Update from the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services, Washington D.C.

SARS is caused by a mutated virus related to the corona virus (the corona viruses cause the common cold).
The virus originated from animals.

Statistics
From May 1, 2003, 5865 probable cases of SARS reported worldwide since November 2002. (Cases need confirmation by laboratory detection of the virus)
391 infected people have died. Fatality rate of 6.6%.

WHO Travel recommendations
Avoid non-essential travel to Hong Kong, China and Singapore.

Transmission mode
Transmission is primarily by the respiratory route via droplet infections ie. sneezing and coughing. Also evidence of transmission through close contact (<3ft)- embracing, kissing, sharing of eating/drinking utensils. May be evidence of transmission via faecal/oral route. Contagious stage is yet to be determined. In the majority of cases, transmission has been through close contacts ie household and health care workers.

Symptoms
(Syndrome is a collection of symptoms).
*temperature of over 100.4 C.
*one or more of the following symptoms-cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing/hypoxia.

Epidemiological factors
*Recent travel in area known to have a SARS outbreak.
*Close contact with a person suspected to have SARS.

Clinical confirmation
*X-ray confirming pneumonia.
*Respiratory distress syndrome.

Laboratory confirmation
*Detection of the SARS virus antibody in the blood >21 days after onset of symptoms.