Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

SARS is an illness that presents with flu-like symptoms including fever, muscular pain, headache, sore throat, non-productive cough, and sometimes pneumonia by chest x-ray. Some patients with SARS (currently estimated at 10-20%) have developed more severe signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath and respiratory distress requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Resources for the Public

You can keep up to date on information about this disease by visiting these useful websites:

• Advice for Travelers
• Interim Domestic Guidance for Management of School Students Exposed to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
• US Centers for Disease Control - SARS
• World Health Organization

Resources for the Health Care Providers

• FAQ for Healthcare Providers by Contra Costa Public Health
• Infection Control Recommendations (39k PDF, 4pp.)
• Screening Form (7k PDF, 1p.)
• Intake Form (203k PDF, 4pp.)

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