Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Case Definitions

Suspect Case:

A person presenting with:

Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius)

AND

One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

AND

One or more of the following:

Close contact* within 10 days of onset of symptoms with a probable case
History of travel within 10 days to WHO reported “affected areas” in Asia (see below)

AND

No other known cause of current illness

*Close contact means having cared for, lived with or had face-to-face (within 1 metre) contact with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a person with SARS.

Probable Case:

A person meeting the suspect case definition together with severe progressive respiratory illness suggestive of atypical pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome with no known cause.

OR

A person meeting the suspect case definition with an unexplained acute respiratory illness resulting in death, with an autopsy examination demonstrating the pathology of acute respiratory distress syndrome with no known cause.

Comments:

In addition to fever and respiratory symptoms, SARS may be associated with other symptoms including: headache, myalgia, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhoea.

Severe respiratory illness may be characterized by decreased oxygen saturation requiring oxygen support including ventilation. Chest X-ray abnormalities may or may not be present.

Areas in Asia with Local Transmission (March 20, 2003 21:00 EST)

China

Vietnam: City of Hanoi

Singapore

For updates see: <http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/>

Laboratory Testing

It is recommended that probable cases and suspect cases with close contact to probable cases have additional laboratory testing. See “Recommended Laboratory Investigation of SARS” <http://www.sars.gc.ca>

Self-Monitoring & Seeking Medical Care

People with travel history to Asia or those who have had close contact with a probable case should be advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of SARS for 10 days following their most recent exposure. If they develop the following symptoms they should present themselves to a physician.

Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius)

AND

Respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

Suspect cases should take precautions to minimize spread of this disease to others by following basic hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, prompt disposal of tissues or other articles that may have come into contact with body fluids or secretions and avoiding contact, especially direct or face-to-face, with others. Public Health authorities may specify additional control measures on a case-by-case basis. Consult with your local health unit.