Cases of a flu-like respiratory condition called atypical pneumonia or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have recently been seen in a growing number of countries around the world causing severe illness and in some cases death. The disease has become such a mounting concern that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert about the illness, warning health officials of the need to contain the disease to minimize transmission.
The Symptoms
People who have been diagnosed with SARS suffer from an inflammation of their lungs. Doctors call it ‘atypical pneumonia’ because of the variety of symptoms it causes. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms to be aware of include a fever of approximately 38 degrees Celsius and one or more of the following:
coughing
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
Other symptoms such as headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash and confusion may also be experienced.
What Causes It?
According to the World Health Organization, a new pathogen which is a member of the coronavirus family--never seen before in humans--is what causes SARS. Read the press release.
How Does It Spread?
SARS isn't contagious at the level of many other infectious diseases. A normal influenza is very contagious to people sitting in the same room. SARS seems to spread through personal close contact with someone with symptoms such as coughing and sneezing or by coming into contact with their nasal fluids. Once you have been exposed to SARS, it takes approximately three to seven days for symptoms to develop.
How Is It Treated?
Currently, those suffering from the illness are being quarantined in hospitals. There is no definite form of treatment. The illness does not fully respond to antibiotics and antiviral drugs. However, health officials are encouraged that some victims seem to be recovering, although they don't know whether that is because of their “shotgun” approach to treatment or the illness running its course.
Where Was It First Discovered?
According to the WHO, SARS originated in Guangzhou province in China and then spread to Hong Kong and elsewhere.
What Should You Do?
People who don’t have any symptoms but have general queries about SARS can call Ontario’s Health Infoline at 1-888-668-4636 for more information or can check the ministry website at: www.health.gov.on.ca.
If you have the symptoms of SARS or have no symptoms but have been to the The Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division between March 16 and today, please call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007 to get further direction.
If you have no symptoms but have been to the York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill between March 16 and March 28th, please call York Region Public Health Unit at 1-800-361-5653 to get further direction.
Those needing to purchase surgical masks (type N95, or equivalent) should look in the Yellow Pages under "medical supplies".
People who are in home isolation and have any concerns should phone their local public health unit (check ministry website www.health.gov.on.ca telephone numbers).
The province is working with Toronto Emergency Medical Services, Toronto police auxiliary, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to help those people at home.
This article was written by and reproduced with permission from HealthyOntario.com. For more on Senior’s health issues, or general health information, services and tools, visit HealthyOntario.com.
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