SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that was first reported in Asia in November 2002 followed by an outbreak in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

There are no known cases in Colorado.


SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that was first reported in Asia in November 2002 followed by an outbreak in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in Asia, North America, South America and Europe. There are no known cases in Colorado.	In March 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert about SARS. By late July 2003, however, no new cases were being reported and the illness was considered contained at that time. According to WHO, 8,098 people worldwide became sick with SARS during this 2003 outbreak; of these, 774 died. Health departments around the world are closely monitoring any new suspected cases and will issue warnings when appropriate. Tri-County Health Department tracks SARS and other infectious diseases across the region through the Colorado Electronic Disease Reporting System (CEDRS). CEDRS is a confidential early-warning system that allows us to follow disease trends and put urgent prevention measures into place in order to protect our community. The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. The virus that causes SARS is thought to be transmitted most readily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus also can spread when a person touches a surface or object contaminated with infectious droplets and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes. The illness usually begins with a high fever. The fever is sometimes associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache, general feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset. Diarrhea is seen in about 10 percent to 20 percent of patients. Travel Warnings and Information: • Travel Information - SARS Specific (CDC) • Travel Information - General (CDC) • Travel and Quarantine (CDC)	Related Tri-County Pages: • Animal-Borne Diseases • Child Care Center Inspections • Community Health Data • Disease Prevention • Environmental Health Home Page • Emergency Preparedness • Health Inspections • Immunizations • Restaurant Inspections • West Nile Virus Related Links: • A - Z List of Public Health Links • Avian Influenza - Bird Flu (CDC) • Avian Influenza - Bird Flu (HHS) • General Information About SARS • Pandemic Flu (HHS) • Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions • SARS - Centers for Disease Control (CDC) • SARS - Colorado State Health Dept (CDPHE) • SARS - Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • SARS - Health Canada • SARS - News • SARS - World Health Organization (WHO) • Travel Information - SARS Specific (CDC) • Travel Information - General (CDC) • Travel and Quarantine (CDC) • Español Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo (SRAS) For more information call the CDC: English - 1-888-246-2675 Español / Spanish - 1-888-246-2857 TTY - 1-866-874-2646 Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST

SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome