Quick facts Source: Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, US CDC

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndroms (SARS) is an atypical pneumonia (lung infection).
• Believed to be caused by a previously unknown coronavirus. Other viral candidates include paramyxovirus.
• Coronavirus is so-called because of observed halo (corona) around the virus under the microscope.
• Coronavirus is a common cause of mild to moderate upper respiratory illnesses in humans and respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and neurologic diseases in animals.
• Corovirus typically survives about 3 hours in open air.
• DNA has been decoded (as at 13 Apr 2003), and a german biotech company is already distributing a 2-hour SARS test kit. Experts say though that a vaccine is still at least months away.

• High fever (>38° Celsius);
• Dry cough;
• Chills and shivering;
• Muscle aches;
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties; Changes in chest X-rays indicative of pneumonia also occur;

Transmission

• close contact with an infected person during period when his symptoms show (i.e. 3 to 10 days after incubation period).
• contact with aerosolized (exhaled) droplets and bodily secretions (coughs, sneezes, mucous, saliva) from an infected person appears to be important.
• it is also possible that SARS may be transmitted more broadly through the air or through objects (US CDC)
• the amount of the infective agent needed to cause an infection has not yet been determined.
  
  

• Use medical-grade True HEPA air purifiers at home and at the workplace. Workplace areas may also be fitted with ceiling-mounted versions of True HEPA air purifiers, which are more powerful and circulate the air better.
• These air purifiers use the same type of filters (i.e. True HEPA) used in hospital infectious disease isolation wards, ICU wards and cleanrooms. HEPA is the medical standard used in controlling SARS. >>More information on HEPA and SARS
• True HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and is at least 99.97% efficient at removing airborne germs, fungi, mould, allergens, and harmful sub-micron dust at 0.3 microns in size (1 micron = 1/1000th of 1mm).
• Be aware that some air purifier technologies send out gases or free radicals into the air to kill viruses - but in many cases these agents that kill viruses are harmful to humans as well. Specifically, hydroxyl (OH) radicals have been linked to cancer.

• If you are ill, or near someone who is ill (i.e. coughing, sneezing etc.), it is prudent to wear a mask.
• Wear N95 masks, ensuring tight fit. Remove and with care (do not touch external mask material).
• When exposed to risk, wash hands thoroughly with soap and wash often. Do not touch the nose, mouth, eyes etc. with hands that are unwashed.
• After returning home, it may also be prudent to quickly shower and change clothes.
• If you are ill, see a doctor and stay home. Do not go to work until your symptoms disappear.

SARS News