Respiratory Illnesses And Issues / Question
Published: September 9, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
This is about that SARS thing that it going around... My first question is: Is it likely that SARS is going to be like the plague epidemic in the 1800s in Europe or like the flu epidemic of 1918-1919? Also, I have done some research on Ebola and have found that it is treated with Ribavirin (Virazole). I was wondering if SARS has been treated with that, since Ebola is so deadly and SARS is as well. My last question is: does the CDC know what type of virus is causing SARS? An arenavirus perhaps or something more virulent? Thanks!
Signed: Questions About SARS
Dear Questions About SARS,
SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, is a respiratory illness, with unknown cause that has infected people in Asia, Europe and North America. SARS is characterized by fever, chills, headaches and general aches and pains. After 2 to 7 days a person infected with SARS will develop a dry cough.
In regards to your first question, although no one can say what diseases will become an epidemic, it is important to remember the context of past epidemics. During the 1800's and early sanitation and hygiene were not at the standards they are today. The Bubonic Plague or Black Death that you are referring to was transmitted through fleas on rats to people. During this time in history, living conditions were often deplorable and cities were often over run with rodents making it incredibly easy to spread this disease.
The Influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 was coupled with World War I at a time when many countries were shifting all their resources to the war front leaving those at home with less food and care. With these two epidemics in context, you can see why SARS is unlikely to become an epidemic characteristic of the past. World Health Officials and the Center for Disease Control are taking measures, such as travel bans, to prevent such an epidemic.
Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been tried in the treatment of SARS, yet the results are unknown. Initial trials show that Ribavirin does little to attack the SARS virus. Further trials with more antiviral drugs are constantly underway in an effort to tackle SARS. SARS is currently being treated as patients with serious community acquired atypical pneumonia.
SARS is a coronavirus, a virus that gives a crown or corona like appearance under the microscope. These viruses commonly cause mild upper respiratory infections. Arenaviruses, as you have mentioned, are associated with rodent-transmission of disease to humans. These diseases can be serious but are often isolated to specific parts of the world. SARS is not suspected to be an arenavirus.
Many questions remain unanswered with SARS, but there are ways for you to safeguard yourself. Most importantly, adhere to quarantines and travel bans established by the World Health Organization and the Center For Disease Control. You should frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth, and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
You can check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for up to the minute information about SARS.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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