Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Historical, Epidemiologic, and Clinical Features

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019 Dec;33(4):869-889. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.07.001.

David S C Hui ¹, Alimuddin Zumla ²

Affiliations

1 Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Stanley Ho Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. Electronic address: [email protected].
2 Center for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, Royal Free Campus 2nd Floor, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom.

PMID: 31668196 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.07.001

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), emerged from China and rapidly spread worldwide. Over 8098 people fell ill and 774 died before the epidemic ended in July 2003. Bats are likely an important reservoir for SARS-CoV. SARS-like CoVs have been detected in horseshoe bats and civet cats. The main mode of transmission of SARS-CoV is through inhalation of respiratory droplets. Faeco-oral transmission has been recorded. Strict Infection control procedures with respiratory and contact precautions are essential. Fever and respiratory symptoms predominate, and diarrhea is common. Treatment involves supportive care. There are no specific Antiviral treatments or vaccines available.

Keywords

Clinical; Coronavirus; Epidemic; Epidemiology; Prevention; SARS.

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