In this Article

• A new disease called SARS
• What are the symptoms and signs of SARS?
• If I were exposed to SARS, how long would it take for me to become sick?
• How is SARS spread?
• Who got sick with SARS?
• What is the cause of SARS?
• What are coronaviruses?
• Is there a test for SARS?
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Glossary
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Index

Who got sick with SARS?

Most of the U.S. cases of SARS occurred among travelers returning from other parts of the world with SARS. There were very few cases as a result of spread to close contacts, such as family members and health-care workers. SARS did not spread more widely in the community in the United States.

What is the cause of SARS?

SARS is caused by a previously unrecognized coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It is possible that other infectious agents might have a role in some cases of SARS.

What are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under a microscope. These viruses are a common cause of mild to moderate upper-respiratory illness in humans and are associated with respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and neurologic disease in animals. Coronaviruses can survive in the environment for as long as three hours.

Is there a test for SARS?

No "test" is available yet for SARS; however, CDC, in collaboration with WHO and other laboratories, has developed 2 research tests that appear to be very promising in detecting antibodies to the new coronavirus. CDC is working to refine and share this testing capability as soon as possible with laboratories across the United States and internationally.

This information has been provided with the kind permission of the Centers For Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

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