Frequently asked questions on the deadly SARS virus
Frequently asked questions on the deadly SARS virus
Reuters, Hong Kong
A deadly pneumonia-like virus spreading across the world has
killed 62 people and infected more than 1,700 others, mainly in
Asia.
Following are facts about the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS), a type of atypical pneumonia, and what medical
experts are saying about it:
* What is it?
Scientists say SARS is caused by a new virus from the family
of coronaviruses, which also causes the common cold.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say
evidence is mounting that the virus is the primary causative
agent, but experts say much laboratory work still needs to be
done to pinpoint its exact characteristics. Development of a
vaccine will take years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the disease
originated in China's southern province of Guangdong, before
spreading to Hong Kong, where it was then carried to Vietnam,
Singapore, Canada. Cases have later surfaced in other places
including the United States, France, Britain, Taiwan and Germany.
Hong Kong and WHO scientists say the strain likely originated
from animals although it does not appear anything like any known
human or animal viruses.
Health experts in Hong Kong have ruled out any association
with influenza A and B viruses, and also the H5N1 bird-flu virus
which jumped the species barrier and killed six people in the
territory in 1997, and a man in February.
SARS is a type of atypical pneumonia, which is usually caused
by viruses, such as influenza viruses, adenovirus and other
respiratory viruses, according to Hong Kong health officials.
Atypical pneumonia can also be caused by organisms such as
Legionella bacteria.
WHO says there is no indication SARS is linked to
bioterrorism.
* What are the symptoms?
The WHO says the main symptoms of SARS are high fever, dry
cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Changes in
chest X-rays, which are indicative of pneumonia, also occur.
SARS may be associated with other symptoms, including chills,
headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise,
confusion, rash and diarrhea.
Health experts say the disease has an incubation period of
between two and seven days, with three to five days being more
common, before victims start showing flu-like symptoms.
* How dangerous is it?
The mortality rate appears to be between 3 to 5 percent. In
Hong Kong, at least, those who are infected invariably develop
severe pneumonia, which can cause numerous complications.
Conditions of victims deteriorate very quickly, in as little as
five days.
* How are patients treated?
There is currently no specific cure for the disease. But
doctors worldwide have been treating it with ribavirin -- an
anti-viral drug -- and steroids. Doctors say if treated early
most patients without other serious illnesses can recover.
A top Hong Kong doctor told Reuters in an exclusive interview
late on Monday that some of the worst affected patients in Hong
Kong were being successfully treated using antibodies in serum
from recovered patients.
The presence of antibodies means those who have recovered
likely would have developed some level of immunity against the
virus in the future. But some experts have not ruled out the
possibility that a person could be infected again and again.
* How does it spread?
WHO and Hong Kong experts say the virus spreads through
droplets by sneezing or coughing and such direct infection can
usually occur within a radius of about three feet (one metre).
The virus can also spread indirectly as it can survive outside
of the human body for three to six hours. Contact with any object
that is tainted by droplets containing the virus, for example, a
contaminated phone, could lead to infection if a person then
touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
Health experts have not ruled out that it could be airborne,
which dramatically raises the contagious nature of the virus and
would make it far harder to contain.
* How fast does it spread?
WHO says SARS appears to be less infectious than influenza,
and is not highly contagious when protective measures are used.
Hong Kong's health chief has said the virus is highly infectious,
though some other medical experts are more cautious about that
possibility. Hong Kong officials say it can be killed by a
solution of water and common household bleach.
* How does the virus travel globally?
WHO says the speed of international travel creates a risk that
cases can spread rapidly around the world.
When an infected person travels, they can spread the virus to
other passengers on their flight and also to people at their
destination. Authorities around Asia are hunting for passengers
who were on about half a dozen flights as they fear that these
passengers have been exposed.
* Who is most likely to be infected?
Hong Kong experts say the virus is highly concentrated in
discharges such as mucous or phlegm when the victim is very sick
and needing hospitalization. Therefore, the virus has tended to
spread primarily to health care professionals treating victims or
close family members of victims.
* How should infected patients be managed?
WHO says patients should be placed in an isolation unit.
Health care workers and visitors should wear efficient filter
masks, goggles, aprons, head covers, and gloves when in close
contact with the patient.
* Is it safe to travel?
- WHO has not recommended restricting travel to any destination
in the world. However, all travelers should be aware of the main
symptoms and signs of SARS. People who have these symptoms and
have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed
with SARS, or have a recent history of travel to areas where
cases of SARS have been spreading, should seek medical attention
and inform health care staff of recent travel.
Travelers who develop these symptoms are advised not to
undertake further travel until fully recovered.