SARS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SARS - Essay Example Other members of the coronavirus group are known to cause common cold and croup in humans (Ramanujan K, 2009). SARS has gained attention for the fact that within a few weeks it spread from the Guangdong province of China and infected human population in 37 countries around the world (Smith, 2006). Signs and Symptoms: Initial symptoms with coronavirus (SARS-CoV) encompass flu like fever, Myalgia, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, cough, sore throat and other vague symptoms. The symptoms common to all patients is fever above 38 C, shortness of breath. Symptoms do not occur immediately but appear within 2-10 days following exposure and about 10-20% cases require mechanical ventilation. History: Infection by SARS-CoV (called as SARS-associated coronavirus) was first identified in Hong Kong, US and Germany (Ksiazek, Drosten, Peiris 2003a, Poutanen). It was first observed in Chinese province of Guangdong and was internationally reported on 11th February 2003 (WHO, WER 11/ 2003). Initially it was assumed to be associated to a newly emerged influenza virus.