Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS coronavirus, known as SARS CoV. Coronaviruses commonly cause infections in both humans and animals.

There have been two self-limiting SARS outbreaks to date, which resulted in a highly contagious and potentially life threatening form of Pneumonia . These both occurredfrom 2002 to 2004.

Since 2004, there haven't been any known cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor countries throughout the world for any unusual disease activity. If another SARS outbreak were to occur, it should be possible to limit the spread of infection.

This topic covers:

The SARS pandemic

Viral mutations

How SARS is spread

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 13 Oct 2016