What is SARS?
SARS is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America, and Europe. For additional information, check the World Health Organization’s (WHO) SARS Web site or visit other pages on CDC’s SARS Web site.

What are the symptoms and signs of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?
The illness usually begins with a fever (measured temperature greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]). The fever is sometimes associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache, general feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset.

After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry, nonproductive cough that might be accompanied by or progress to the point where insufficient oxygen is getting to the blood. In 10% to 20% of cases, patients will require mechanical ventilation. For more information, see the MMWR dispatch.

If I were exposed to SARS, how long would it take for me to become sick?
The incubation period for SARS is typically 2-7 days; however, isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as 10 days. The illness usually begins with a fever (>100.4°F [>38.0°C]) (see signs and symptoms, above).

What medical treatment is recommended for patients with SARS?
CDC currently recommends that patients with SARS receive the same treatment that would be used for any patient with serious community-acquired atypical pneumonia of unknown cause. Several treatment regimens have been used for patients with SARS, but there is insufficient information at this time to determine if they have had a beneficial effect. Reported therapeutic regimens have included antibiotics to presumptively treat known bacterial agents of atypical pneumonia. Therapy also has included antiviral agents such as oseltamivir or ribavirin. Steroids also have been administered orally or intravenously to patients in combination with ribavirin and other antimicrobials. For more information on SARS, see "Interim Information and Recommendations for Health Care Providers" on CDC's SARS web site.

Are there any travel restrictions related to SARS?

Summer 2003 update on SARS
As of July 15, 2003, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed its last travel alert for SARS. No areas in the world are currently reporting ongoing transmission of the disease. No advisories exist against travel to or from any of the previous countries on the SARS list. Colby works with the State of Maine Department of Public Health and would take appropriate measures should there be a recurrence. CDC continues to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to maintain vigilance for any new disease activity so that immediate measures to control SARS can be taken, if necessary. Travelers should be aware of their risk for communicable diseases, such as SARS, and stay informed about current travel alerts or advisories. Information about travel alerts and advisories and CDC pre-travel health advice can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/