SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
What is SARS?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness, most likely an atypical pneumonia, that was first reported in parts of Asia. Health officials suspect it is caused by a virus, but the exact type of pathogen is not known. Serious SARS cases have now been reported in China; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Mongolia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Toronto, Canada.
How can I tell the difference between SARS and other respiratory diseases such as flu?
The initial symptoms of SARS are similar to the symptoms of many common illnesses seen this time of year (such as colds and flu). However, SARS is linked to a travel history.
People who have been diagnosed with SARS have developed symptoms including:
Fever, muscle aches, one or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing;
AND
Either close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS
OR
Recent history of travel (within last 10 days) to areas reporting community acquired cases of SARS. China, including Hong Kong, Singapore; Hanoi, Vietnam; or Toronto, Canada.
What should I do if I think I have SARS?
If you are a student and you think you have had exposure to SARS and are concerned that you might have SARS:
- Contact Student Health Services at 388-6120 during office hours
- Call Campus Safety at 388-6911 on weekends after 5pm and weekdays after 11pm
- Faculty and Staff should call their family physicians
How can I get the most current information about SARS?