SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
The history of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is significant in the study of
infectious diseases. SARS is caused by the SARS-CoV virus, which belongs to the
coronavirus family. Here's an overview of its history:
Emergence and Outbreak (2002–2003)
1. Origins:
o
SARS-CoV is believed to have originated in bats and was transmitted to
humans through an intermediate host, the palm civet, in wildlife markets in
Guangdong Province, China.
o
The first known case of SARS was reported in November 2002 in Foshan,
Guangdong.
2. Spread:
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The virus spread rapidly in early 2003 due to human-to-human transmission,
primarily through respiratory droplets.
o
It spread to multiple countries, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Canada, and the United States.
3. Key Events:
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Dr. Liu Jianlun: A doctor from Guangdong unknowingly spread the virus to
guests and staff at the Metropole Hotel in Hong Kong in February 2003. This
event became a major super-spreader incident.
o
Healthcare Workers: Many infections occurred in hospitals, where
healthcare workers were disproportionately affected.
4. Global Response:
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The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert in March 2003.
o
Quarantines, travel advisories, and public health measures helped contain
the outbreak.
5. Impact:
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Over 8,000 cases were reported across 29 countries.
o
The outbreak resulted in 774 deaths, with a mortality rate of approximately
9.6%.
o
The outbreak was officially declared contained by the WHO in July 2003.
Post-Outbreak Developments
1. Research and Preparedness:
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The SARS outbreak spurred extensive research into coronaviruses.
o
Vaccines and treatments were explored, but the cessation of the outbreak
reduced urgency, leaving no approved vaccines.
2. Zoonotic Risks:
o
Studies confirmed that SARS-CoV originated in bats and was transmitted to
humans via intermediate hosts.
o
This highlighted the risks of wildlife markets and zoonotic disease
transmission.
3. Public Health Lessons:
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The SARS outbreak underscored the importance of rapid response,
transparency, and international cooperation in managing infectious
diseases.
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It also led to the strengthening of global surveillance systems.
Connection to SARS-CoV-2
•
The SARS outbreak provided a framework for understanding and responding to
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019.
•
The similarities between the two viruses emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance
against emerging coronaviruses.