Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS is a viral respiratory infection similar to pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-1 virus. A similar coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is known for causing COVID-19. This fact sheet is about SARS, not COVID-19.

During the initial outbreak of SARS, between November 2002 and July 2003, there were 251 suspected infections in Canada, with most cases occurring in Toronto. The first Canadian cases were identified in March 2003 in people who had travelled to Hong Kong and returned to Canada.

SARS demonstrated how quickly a virus can spread internationally.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that since 2004 there have been no known cases of SARS anywhere in the world.

The illness begins with a fever greater than 38°C (100.4°F) and can include other symptoms such as chills, headache, muscular aches, malaise, dry cough and shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties.

SARS is caused by a virus called SARS-associated coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that also include the common cold. Research revealed that the SARS virus was transmitted from civet cats to humans.

The incubation period for SARS ranges in general from 2 to 10 days.

SARS spreads from person to person through close contact. Examples of close contact include caring for or living with a person known to have SARS, or having direct contact with droplets from coughing or sneezing of someone infected with SARS.

People caring for individuals with SARS are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease. During known outbreaks, people at risk included all health care workers in institutional settings, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, long-term care facilities, and emergency departments, and others who worked close to their clients or patients.

Persons living with individuals with SARS are also at risk for contracting the disease.

If a new outbreak or similar epidemic occurs, the guidelines found in the OSH Answers Coronavirus fact sheet should help prevent transmission. In addition, check with organizations such as Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (USA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), which will be monitoring any new situation and will include infection control guidance for workers at risk.