More from MPR First case of SARS reported in Minnesota (04/25/2003) Resources World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

	E-mail this page			Print this page

SARS Q and A
April 25, 2003

The disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, continues to make headlines. Here are answers to some questions about it.

— Q. What are the symptoms?

A. It usually begins with a fever of more than 100.4 F, sometimes with chills and headache and body aches. After two to seven days, patients may develop a cough. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and pneumonia.

Q. Who's most at risk of getting SARS?

A. Travelers to or residents of places where the disease is common, such as Hong Kong and parts of mainland China, and those who've had direct close contact with infected people, such as their families and health care workers.

Q. What should I do if I think I have SARS?

A. If you have a fever of more than 100.4 F and develop a cough or difficulty breathing, contact a health care provider. Explain any recent travel to regions where SARS has been reported and whether you were in close contact with someone who had these symptoms.

Q. How does SARS spread?

A. Most often, the virus apparently travels on the tiny droplets of fluid that an infected person spews out when coughing or sneezing. Experts say they're concerned about the possibility that it might also move more widely through the air. In some circumstances, it may also spread through contact with infected people's feces.

Q. What can I do to avoid SARS?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends postponing nonessential trips to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam. While SARS cases have been reported in Canada, the CDC isn't advising against travel to or from there, although the World Health Organization advises against going to Toronto. The CDC just says people traveling to Toronto should take precautions such as avoiding health care facilities caring for SARS patients.

Q. Can I catch the germ from an infected passenger in an airplane?

A. There have been a few reports suggesting that. The World Health Organization says that doesn't necessarily mean the germ spreads through recirculated air, however. To reduce the international spread of SARS, WHO is urging officials to screen international airline passengers departing from Toronto, Singapore, Hanoi and several Chinese cities for possible SARS and ask those who appear sick to delay their trip until they feel better.

Q. What causes SARS?

A. Experts say the cause is a previously unknown coronavirus, one of a family of viruses that ordinarily causes colds in people and more serious diseases in animals.

Q. Is there a cure?

A. None has been identified yet.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

News Headlines

Related Subjects