SARS, is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome which is highly infectious with pneumonia-like symptoms. SARS has caused 63 deaths globally. There are no reports of SARS in India yet.
SARS is accompanied with high fever (over 100oF), headache, sore throat, dry cough, muscular stiffness.
It spreads through droplets from sneezing or coughing; contact with contaminated objects. Culprits: paramyxovirus or coronavirus.
People who are frequent travellers and have visited the infected places or those in contact with anyone infected are at risk to get SARS.
There is no known cure for SARS as yet. While doctors and researchers are grappling with the problem trying to work out an effective medicine. Presently the patients are treated symptomatically with antibiotics and steroids.
To prevent SARS infection if near infected person, wash hands often or use alcohol-based hand rubs, avoid contact with patient’s body fluids, wear a mask.