SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 September 2012 18:39

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness characterized by sudden onset of high fever and difficulty breathing. At risk are those who have traveled to Hong Kong, to all of mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hanoi, Vietna and Toronto, or have had close contact with a person with SARS. An estimated 8% of people with SARS die. There is no effective medication to treat the disease.

General information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is available at the Web site of the Center for Disease Control, or call their toll free public hotlines at:

English: (888) 246-2675
Spanish: (888)246-2857
TTY: (888) 874-2646

Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the transmission of disease. By frequently washing your hands, you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated surfaces, or from animals and animal waste. Visit our W.A.S.H. Up Westchester page for educational resources about hand washing, or visit the Ounce of Prevention campaign of the CDC.

Fact Sheets:

• The Facts About SARS
• The Facts About SARS - Large Print
• Frequently asked questions about SARS CDC
• SARS information for specific groups and in other languages (CDC)
• Information for travelers (CDC)