What is SARS?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This virus is different from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first found in humans in 2002.

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses found in different species, including birds and mammals. These viruses can cause different respiratory diseases including pneumonia and the common cold. Some virus types can cause serious respiratory disease. COVID-19 is caused by a different type of coronavirus called SARS‐CoV‐2.

An outbreak of the virus that causes SARS began in China in late 2002 and spread to many countries. Australia was not significantly affected. The outbreak was successfully under control by July 2003. The last known case of SARS was reported in China in April 2004.

Currently, SARS is not known to be spreading anywhere in the world. It's not known if future outbreaks could happen.

About 1 in 10 people infected with SARS have died. People who are older or have chronic health conditions are at higher risk. This is due to lower immunity and underlying health conditions.

What are the symptoms of SARS?

SARS symptoms can range from common respiratory signs to severe pneumonia. The main symptoms of SARS include:

• fever (temperature over 38°C)
• dry cough
• breathing difficulties

People with SARS may also experience:

• headache
• chills
• muscle aches
• poor appetite
• dizziness
• diarrhoea
• sore throat

These symptoms are common with many illnesses. They are more likely to be caused by SARS if you have been in close contact with someone infected. It is also more likely if you have recently travelled to a country where there is an outbreak.

What causes SARS?

The SARS outbreak is believed to have started when the virus spread from an animal to a human. The spread was most likely from an infected civet (a small, cat-like animal). This can happen through:

• close contact between humans and animals
• eating undercooked meat from infected animals
• butchering and meat markets

Once the virus spreads from animals to humans, it can then be passed from person to person.

How is SARS spread between people?

SARS is spread by contaminated droplets. These droplets are spread from your body through the air from:

• talking
• coughing
• sneezing

The virus can also be spread:

• when a person has infected body fluids on their hands or touches a contaminated tissue or surface
• through stool (poo) particles
• through surfaces in hospitals

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 7 days after you are exposed to the virus. Sometimes they can take as long as 10 days to appear.

When should I see my doctor?

During a SARS outbreak, contact your doctor immediately if you have travelled to a high-risk area in the past 10 days and develop:

• a fever
• cough
• breathing difficulties

Call the clinic or hospital before you get there to warn them that you may have SARS. This will allow them to assess you in a separate area and help prevent the spread of the illness.

How is SARS diagnosed?

Several laboratory tests can be used to diagnose SARS. Your doctor will take swabs to look for the virus if you have symptoms and may have been in contact with someone who has SARS. Samples may be taken from your:

• nose
• throat
• urine
• stool (poo)

Your samples will be sent to the lab to test if the virus is present. Your doctor may take swabs from more than one area to increase the chance of detecting the virus.

A blood test can also detect the virus. However, it may take weeks for these blood test results to come back.

You may also have a chest x-ray to see if you have pneumonia.

What do I do if I test positive?

SARS is a notifiable disease, meaning a positive result must be reported to public health authorities. The Department of Health will track all cases to monitor outbreaks and improve healthcare responses.

Because SARS is contagious, you will need to be in isolation so you don't spread the disease. This isolation may take place at home or in a hospital. You are generally considered no longer contagious 10 days after your symptoms have gone.

How is SARS treated?

There is no cure, vaccine or specific treatment for SARS. Treatment focuses on managing your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend medicines to relieve some of your symptoms.

If you develop severe pneumonia, you may need to go to the hospital for treatment to help you breathe. This would take place in an intensive care unit.

What are the complications of SARS?

SARS can lead to severe symptoms such as shortness of breath. This may progress to severe difficulty breathing, respiratory failure and lead to death.

Other possible complications may include:

• pneumonia
• cardiovascular problems
• long-term breathing issues
• kidney impairment or damage
• psychological effects

Some complications of SARS can be life-threatening. You may need hospital treatment if you have severe disease or complications.

Can SARS be prevented?

While there is no vaccine for SARS, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection.

If a new outbreak happens, you can help protect yourself by following these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after sneezing, using the toilet and before preparing food or touching others.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Keep a safe distance from people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Use a tissue to blow your nose and dispose of it straight away.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated.

If you are caring for someone with SARS, wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes wearing a gown, mask, gloves and goggles.

During an outbreak, public health authorities will trace contacts of people with SARS and inform those who need to isolate. Follow the advice and instructions from your local public health department.

Resources and support

Resources are available to support you if you're concerned about SARS or need health information.

• If you are feeling worried about any symptoms, see your doctor.
• In the event of a SARS outbreak, contact your local state or territory health department to find out what precautions to take.
• If you are planning to travel overseas, check Smartraveller for health advice for your destination.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other languages

• SA Health provides information on how to reduce your risk of coronaviruses in other languages than English.