SARS: Symptoms and Treatment

SARS: Should we be concerned about the SARS Virus:

The SARS virus or Coronavirus, is one that should concern us. The SARS viruses (coronaviruses) are a group of positive strand, enveloped RNA viruses, pathogens common to mammals and birds. They may cause enteric and respiratory tract infections in humans, livestock and pets. (1)

SARS Symptoms: 

Flu-like symptoms appear 2-10 days following exposure. These may include: headache, fever above 38 degrees C, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, non-productive dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

SARS disease is a highly contagious, viral infection that spreads rapidly from one person to another, by personal contact, when the infected air-born droplets from the affected person enter the mouth, nose or eyes of another person.

This is also spread by shaking hands, hugging, or touching contaminated objects like tissues, dishes or cutlery. It may be spread in other ways, also. The symptoms must be taken seriously, as death may result from respiratory failure.

What is SARS?

SARS is the abbreviated form for severe acute respiratory syndrome.

SARS in China:

On November 16, 2002, the first incidence was documented, as an outbreak of severe, acute respiratory syndrome, called Yellow Pneumonia, in the Guangdong province of China, bordering on Hong Kong.

A farmer from Foshan County, traveling from Guangdong Province in China, to Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, was diagnosed by Dr. Carlo Urbani, who died shortly after the death of his patient.

The disease continued to spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) later learned 806 people contacted the disease and 34 died.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is considered to be an acute or rapid onset of a very severe and serious form of respiratory disease or pneumonia that occurs in humans. It is caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV). (2)

Interestingly, the same virus causes the common cold.

The disease is suspected when a person exhibits symptoms, has a possible or known contact or has been traveling in an affected area.

Diagnosis is made by physical examination, chest xrays, blood work and tests specific for the virus. A chest x-ray will reveal pneumonia. Blood work shows  low white blood cells, platelet count, sodium and potassium levels. Testing further may reveal neutrophilia, lymphopenia, raised lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and C-reactive protein.

SARS may appear in a viral culture, but it is confirmed with several diagnostic tests, particularly polymer chain reaction (PCR), when genetic material is apparent in the blood, sputum or stools.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective as this is a virus. Antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support are indicated. The patient must be isolated with full barrier nursing precautions. Steroids and antiviral drug therapy have been attempted.

It is suspected that SARS results from an over reaction of the immune system to the virus. Ongoing research suggests that it is possible to create an effective vaccine.

There is ongoing concern about SARS, because it represents a global health threat, even though it appears to be under control at this time. The virus is also known to be able to mutate or change its form.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome

(2) Ibid

.