Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There has been no known transmission of SARS anywhere in the world since 2004. Check the CDC's SARS Information for Travelers Web site for the most current information regarding SARS activity.

Researchers are working on several types of vaccines for SARS, but until an effective vaccine is developed, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC have established a number of guidelines designed to slow or stop transmission of the disease.

Protecting yourself
If you're caring for someone at home with SARS, these measures can help you stay healthy:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Instead of touching your face with your hands, use a disposable tissue to rub your eyes or nose.
  • Wear disposable gloves if you have contact with the person's body fluids or feces. Throw the gloves away immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Wear a surgical mask when you're in the same room as a person with SARS. Wearing glasses also may offer some protection.
  • Use soap and hot water to wash the utensils, towels, bedding and clothing of someone with SARS. Don't use these items yourself until they're clean.
  • Use a household disinfectant to clean any surfaces that may have been contaminated with sweat, saliva, mucus, vomit, stool or urine. Wear disposable gloves while you clean and throw the gloves away when you're done.
  • Follow all precautions for at least 10 days after the person's signs and symptoms have disappeared.
  • Keep children home from school if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms within 10 days of being exposed to someone with SARS. They can return to school if signs and symptoms go away after three days.

Protecting others
If you've been diagnosed with SARS, the following measures can help prevent the infection from spreading:

  • Wash your hands carefully and frequently with soap and hot water or an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and if possible, wear a surgical mask when you're in close contact with other people.
  • Don't share your silverware, towels or bedding with anyone in your home until these items have been thoroughly washed with soap and hot water.
  • Avoid going to school, work or other public places for 10 days after your signs and symptoms disappear.

Traveling safely
Consider taking the following measures to help reduce your risk of SARS when traveling:

  • Buy or assemble a basic first-aid kit. Make sure the kit includes an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Inform yourself. Learn as much as you can about the SARS status of the countries you'll visit. You can find the latest information about SARS on the WHO and CDC Web sites.
  • Make sure you're current on all of your immunizations. It's best to have any needed shots four to six weeks before your departure.
  • Check your travel insurance. You may want to purchase coverage for medical evacuation if you're traveling to a country that's having a SARS or other infectious disease outbreak.
  • Know where medical care will be available in the areas you visit. Take with you a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of recommended doctors and hospitals at your destinations. Your doctor or local or state medical society, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers or the U.S. State Department's Overseas Citizens Services can help provide this information.
  • Avoid 'live' markets. In China, avoid visiting live food markets. Civet cats sold in these markets have been found to carry viruses similar to the SARS virus.

While traveling
Some experts believe that infections spread on airplanes through the air vents located directly above your seat. It's best to turn these vents off and to carry disposable towelettes so that you can clean your hands frequently during the flight.

Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Hirsch MS, et al. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2008.
  2. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): Current SARS situation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nciDOD/sars/situation.htm. Accessed Nov. 17, 2008.
  3. Hui DS, et al. Current features, pathogenesis and immunobiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 2008;14:241.
  4. Severe acute respiratory syndrome: Frequently asked questions about SARS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/faq.htm. Accessed Nov. 18, 2008.
  5. Frequently asked questions on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/csr/sars/sarsfaq/en. Accessed Nov. 18, 2008.
  6. Clinical, epidemiologic, and virologic features of SARS-CoV. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/guidance/core/app1.htm. Accessed Nov. 19, 2008.
  7. Tansey CM, et al. One-year outcomes and health care utilization in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2007;167:1312.
  8. Wong SS, et al. The management of coronavirus infections with particular reference to SARS. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2008;62:437.
  9. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Supplement F: Laboratory guidance. Diagnostic assays. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/guidance/F/assays.htm. Accessed Nov. 19, 2008.
  10. Chu CM, et al. Role of lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of SARS: Initial virological and clinical findings. Thorax. 2004;59:252.
  11. Guidance about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) for persons traveling to areas where SARS cases have been reported. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel_advice.htm. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
  12. Stockman LJ, et al. Severe acute respiratory syndrome in children. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2007;26:68.

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Jan. 6, 2009

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