SARS virus is contagious, but infection can be avoided
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 28, 2003 9:00 p.m.
What is this SARS virus wreaking havoc in China and Canada? Is
the United States at risk for a major outbreak as well?
As of Monday, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus has
killed 321 people worldwide, and is suspected to have infected over
5,000 others, according to the World Health Organization.
These numbers rise daily. The primary areas of concern are
mainland China and Hong Kong, accounting for almost 4,500
infections and 269 deaths, in addition to Singapore and Canada.
The United States, while largely unaffected, has not escaped
unscathed. Health officials report 41 suspected cases of SARS,
but no fatalities have resulted from the infections.
SARS is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, the same type
of virus that causes the common cold. Collaboration between
scientists from many nations led to the rapid identification of
SARS.
Its primary manifestations include a high fever (greater than
100.4 F), a dry cough and difficulty breathing, developed two to 10
days after close contact with an infected individual. It may also
cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle stiffness, loss of
appetite, confusion, rash, and diarrhea.
While scientists have already mapped the genome of the SARS
virus, much remains to be discovered. Although its method of
transmission is unknown, possible transmission methods include
contact with infected respiratory secretions, human fecal matter,
water and air.
It is not yet known where the virus came from or how long this
epidemic will last.
What is clear is while half of those who contracted the SARS
virus have already recovered, some develop hypoxia, pneumonia,
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and approximately 7 percent of
those infected die.
Early on in the outbreak, Chinese officials attempted to cover
up the magnitude of the SARS epidemic. The underreporting of cases
and slow response to SARS led to the firing of Chinese Health
Minister Zhang Wenkang and Beijing Mayor Meng Xuenong on April
20.
Recently, fear of this potentially lethal virus has galvanized
the Chinese government’s efforts to slow the virus’
transmission. Because the virus is spread by close contact with
those who are infected, the government is attempting to limit the
assembly of large groups of people to avoid massive viral
transmission.
Last week, it closed public schools, libraries and movie
theatres, and suspended the approval of marriages to avoid the
gathering of large wedding parties.
The government also closed a huge vegetable wholesale market,
quarantining its 2,500 workers, and announced it will cancel its
traditional “golden week” holiday to discourage travel
and subsequently reduce the likelihood of the virus rapidly
spreading throughout China.
To limit transmission of the virus via international travelers,
infrared monitors are used to detect airport passengers with high
fevers.
The general population has also taken measures to ward off
infection. In Hong Kong, citizens walk the streets wearing surgical
facemasks to avoid inhaling airborne particles contaminated with
the SARS virus.
For people who have not traveled to the affected areas or come
in close contact with an infected person, the chance of contracting
SARS remains low. However, those who have had such contact and who
develop symptoms similar to those of SARS should seek immediate
medical attention and inform the health care staff of their travel
or contact with a SARS patient.
Patients with SARS pose a serious risk to those around them and
to medical care personnel. Exposed individuals who develop symptoms
should remain in their home and limit their interactions with
others until 10 days after their fever has disappeared. Until then,
they should wear a surgical mask or always cover their mouth and
nose with a facial tissue while coughing and sneezing.
Unaffected individuals who are in contact with a SARS patient
should wash their hands frequently, avoid sharing eating utensils,
towels or bedding with the patient, and use gloves when in contact
with the patient’s body fluids.
Simple precautions can help individuals protect themselves. The
SARS virus is less contagious than the flu (influenza virus) and
good personal hygiene, hand washing, and ensuring good ventilation
at home and work can reduce the chance of its transmission.
Sonn is a second-year medical student at the UCLA David
Geffen School of Medicine. “Your Health” is a weekly
column written by a rotating group of UCLA medical students. E-mail
questions and column topics to [email protected].
