What is SARS?The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently co-ordinating a global response to reported outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), an atypical pneumonia of un-known etiology. Last week, the WHO announced that a new pathogen, a member of the corona virus family - responsible for the common cold - never before seen in humans, is the cause of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
How contagious is SARS?People become infected with SARS from being on contact with people who are already infected with the disease. SARS appears to be spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact involving exposure to infectious droplets, and possibly by direct contact with infected body fluids.
What are the symptoms?The symptoms include; a fever with a temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius, respiratory problems and a dry cough. While these symptoms are similar to the influenza virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises people who are suffering these type of symptoms and who have travelled or come in contact with someone who has travelled recently in China or Hong Kong to be vigilant. Health care workers operating in those regions are particularly at risk.
How deadly is the disease?According to the WHO only five per cent of confirmed SARS cases have been fatal. Those who have died from the disease have been elderly or have had underlining health problems which complicated their treatment.
What protection will a face mask give?The WHO provides no guidance as such in this area. However, they do recommend that those suffering with the disease wear a face mask to stop them contaminating others.
What test is there for the disease?There is no specific test for SARS, however, when tests for other conditions such as influenza or respiratory ailments have been proved negative, then doctors can determine if a patient is confirmed with having SARS.
How many cases have there been?As of yesterday, a cumulative total of 3947 probable cases with 228 deaths have been reported to WHO from 25 countries. The 11 new deaths were reported in China (6) and Hong Kong SAR (5). Ireland has had one confirmed case.