Severe acute respiratory syndrome

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), first identified during a global outbreak in 2002-2003 that originated in southern China. It is not a genetic disorder but rather an emerging infectious disease classified as a rare disease due to its limited occurrence. SARS primarily affects the respiratory system, causing viral pneumonia that can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. The virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and close person-to-person contact. The disease typically begins with a prodromal phase characterized by high fever (>38°C), malaise, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, and chills. After 3-7 days, a lower respiratory phase develops with dry cough, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and progressive hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Chest radiographs often show bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Some patients also experience diarrhea. Approximately 20-30% of patients required intensive care, and the overall case fatality rate during the 2002-2003 outbreak was approximately 9-10%, with significantly higher mortality in elderly patients and those with underlying comorbidities. There is no specific antiviral therapy proven effective against SARS. Treatment is primarily supportive, including supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation when necessary, and management of complications. During the outbreak, ribavirin and corticosteroids were used empirically, though their efficacy was not conclusively demonstrated. No licensed vaccine is currently available. Since 2004, no new cases of SARS have been reported worldwide, and the disease is considered contained. Public health measures including quarantine, isolation, and infection control practices were critical in controlling the outbreak.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

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