SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness that was first identified in Asia in February 2003. The illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe and Africa before it was brought under control.
SARS is caused by a previously unknown SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The SARS outbreak began in southern China in November 2002 and quickly spread to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and other parts of Asia. By March 2003, more than 8,000 people had been infected with the virus and over 800 had died.
As the outbreak spread outside of Asia, health authorities were initially baffled by the disease. It took several weeks for researchers to identify the cause as a new coronavirus. Once the cause was known, health officials were able to develop diagnostic tests and implement measures to stop the spread of the disease.
There is no specific treatment for SARS but most people who contract the virus recover with rest and supportive care. A small percentage of patients require hospitalization for pneumonia or other complications.