SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS is a new viral illness that has mainly affected adults over the age of 25. Most transmission of the illness has occurred in China, including Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. The CDC SARS case definition is:

Suspected Case: Respiratory illness of unknown etiology with onset since February 1, 2003, and the following criteria:

• Measured temperature >100.5 AND
  
  
• One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or x-ray findings of either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome AND
  
  
• Travel within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS OR
  
  
• Close contact within 10 days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspect SARS case.

  Further information on SARS is available at the following web sites:

  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • World Health Organization
  • Massachusetts Dept. Of Public Health
  • U.S. Dept. of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs*

  Please call Health Services (x2813) if you have further questions or concerns.
  
  *Includes travel advisories

  SCHS 4/03