  Downloadable
SARS fact sheet in English
and Spanish
Information
in Chinese or Vietnamese
What is SARS?
SARS is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported
in Asia, North America, and Europe.
What are the symptoms and signs of
SARS?
The illness usually begins with a fever (measured temperature
greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]). The fever is sometimes
associated with chills or other symptoms, including headache,
general feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also
experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset.
After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry, nonproductive
cough that might be accompanied by or progress to the point where
insufficient oxygen is getting to the blood. In 10% to 20% of
cases, patients will require mechanical ventilation.
If I were exposed to SARS, how long
would it take for me to become sick?
The incubation period for SARS is typically 2-7 days; however,
isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as
10 days. The illness usually begins with a fever (>100.4°F
[>38.0°C]) (see signs and symptoms, above).
Travel Recommendations
The CDC advises that persons planning elective or non-essential
travel to areas affected by the outbreak may wish to postpone
their trip until further notice.
Local SARS Activity
March 18 - Health Services Agency sent
SARS information to the healthcare community throughout Stanislaus
County. Fax broadcast contained information from State Department
of Health Services on SARS and urges travel histories to be taken
on suspect cases.
March 18 - Stanislaus County Medical
Society also disseminates HSA's SARS information.
March 21 - SARS is discussed by the Public Health Officer during
a news conference at the county Emergency Operations Center.
March 27 - Review of the Stanislaus
County Influenza Pandemic Plan to identify revisions needed for
SARS
March 31 - Second fax broadcast to the
healthcare community.
April 1 - HSA meeting with representatives
from all five hospitals in Stanislaus County. Current information
from CDC is distributed and infection control procedures are confirmed.
April 3 - Public Health Officer participated
in statewide Public Health Officer meeting specifically on SARS.
April 4 - Third fax broadcast to the
healthcare community.
Links
Current information about SARS can be found on the following sites:
For Stanislaus
County SARS information, please call 209.558.5678.
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