SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), a respiratory illness recently reported in Asia, Europe, and North America, has infected relatively few people worldwide. SARS is still spreading in some areas and continues to be a concern to the worldwide community. It is serving as a wake-up call about the increasing vulnerability of global public health.

Through sheer luck, advance warnings, and good infection control practices, the United States has been spared the worst of SARS.

SARS is typically accompanied by a fever greater than 100.4ºF. Other symptoms are similar to that of the flu, and may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort and body aches, and mild respiratory distress. After two to seven days, SARS patients develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing. SARS spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact with an infected individual. Most cases have involved people who cared for or lived with someone with SARS or came into contact with infectious material (i.e. respiratory secretions) from a person who has SARS.

Potential ways in which SARS can be spread include touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen when someone infected with SARS coughs or sneezes droplets onto themselves, other people, or nearby surfaces. It is possible that it may spread more broadly through the air or by other ways that are not currently known. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued interim guidelines for

patients with suspected SARS in the healthcare setting and in households.

These guidelines may change as we learn more about SARS. If you develop SARS symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has, follow these guidelines:

• Consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you have a surgical mask, wear it during close contact with people - a mask can reduce the number of droplets coughed into the air

• Follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider
• Limit activities outside the home until ten days after the resolution of the fever, provided respiratory symptoms are absent or improving
• Wash your hands often and well, especially after contact with body fluids (i.e. blowing nose or using bathroom)
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Wear a surgical mask when around others. If you can't wear a mask, those around you should
• Don't share silverware, towels, or bedding with anyone until these items have been washed in hot soapy water
• Clean surfaces (counter, tabletops, door knobs, bathroom fixtures, etc.) that have been contaminate with body fluids (sweat, mucous, vomit) from a SARS patient with a household disinfectant used according to the manufacturer's directions; wear disposable gloves while cleaning and throw them out when done

• Be sure they see a healthcare provider and follow instructions for medication and care
• Be sure all household members are washing their hands frequently with soap and water or are using alcohol-based hand wash
• Wear disposable glovesif you have direct contact with body fluids of a SARS patient. This is not a substitute for good hand washing. After use, throw gloves out and wash hands.
• Encourage the SARS patient to cover their mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. If possible, have them wear a face mask during close contact with others - if the patient cannot wear a mask, other household members should
• Don't use silverware, towels, bedding, clothing, or other items that have been contaminated by body fluids until they have been cleaned with a household disinfectant used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wear disposable gloves while cleaning; throw gloves out and wash hands when finished cleaning
• Follow these instructions for ten days after the SARS patient's fever and respiratory symptoms have gone away