an infectious disease (which your professor approves), and detail: (SARS #SEVERE
ID: 128017 • Letter: A
Question
an infectious disease (which your professor approves), and detail:
(SARS #SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROM)
its origin
the pathogenesis/microbiologic classification of the bacteria/microorganism
occurrences of the disease
diverse populations affected by this disease
incubation period
period of communicability
methods used for diagnosis
treatment including antimicrobials
any applicable laboratory testing used to detect immunity
epidemiological markers for this bacteria in outbreak investigations if applicable
is it reportable to the CDC/WHO – why or why not?
recommendations to decrease its prevalence
Explanation / Answer
SARS:
Introduction:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is a contagious and potentially fatal respiratory illness. A viral Respiratory disease of zoonotic origin caused by the SARS coronavirus.
Epidemiology:
• It first found inn China in November 2002 and was identified in February 2003. SARS spread to around over 24 countries before it was contained.
• Since May 2004, no new cases have been reported.
• Adults over 65 were atrisk, wit 50%fatality
Incidence:
• From November 2002 to July 2003, there were about 8,098 cases worldwide and 774 deaths recorded in 37 countries.
• The United States (U.S.) observed 8 laboratory-confirmed cases and with no severity and fatalities. All eight people had history of traveled to areas affected by SARS
• Affected regions v are parts of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, towns of Geraldton, Ontario, Canada
Meaning:
SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causes SARS. A coronavirus is a common form of virus that typically causes upper-respiratory tract illnesses. Common cold also results from a kind of coronavirus.
Pathogenesis:
There different kinds of coronavirus which known to infect humans.
Four of these are common, and most people will experience at least once in life time
Two other types cause SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Earlier this organism was found to be as affecting only animals.
Then later sfter SARS outbreak, scientists first thought that animals transmitted SARS-CoV to humans.
But now it is found that an animal virus changed into a new, more deadly strain.
Causes:
Droplets from coughing and sneezing
Close human contact
Hugging and kissing
Sharing utensils for eating and drinking
Speaking to someone within a distance of 3 feet
Touching someone directly
Touching the things used by the patient
Sexual contact with affected person
Clinical manifestation:
Incubation period: symptoms normally appear within 3 to 5 days after exposure to the SARS virus, but they can develop after 2 to 7 days. And sometimes for ten days.
During the incubation period, before symptoms appear, the disease is not contagious.
Most cases of SARS presents with a high fever more than 100.4 F
Other early symptoms are those like in common to flu, such as aches, chills, diarrhea, dry coughing, and shortness of breath. They will develop over the course of a week.
In certain cases may lead to pneumonia
Complications:
Respiratory failure,
Heart failure,
Liver failure
Diagnosis:
As per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to perform SARS test person should have following symptoms;
fever of at least 100.4° Fahrenheit or 38° Celsius
One or more symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness: a cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Radiographic evidence to suggest a diagnosis of pneumonia
ELISA, Immunofluorescence or PCR
No alternative diagnosis to completely explain the illness.
SARS is very rare, and the symptoms overlap with those of flu and pneumonia. A physician will not suspect it unless the person has been in an area where there is an outbreak.
Laboratory tests:
1. Tests can help confirm a diagnosis of SARS by detecting the virus and antibodies.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing can detect the virus in blood, stool, and nasal secretions.
2. Serologic testing can detect SARS-CoV antibodies in the blood.
3. Viral culture.
These tests may not be reliable if used in the early stages of infection.
Treatment:
It is also a medical emergency, and urgent medical care
WHO recommends isolating patients and using barrier techniques
No drug, including antibiotics, appears to be effective against SARS.
Only supportive care is recommended, including the use of medications to relieve symptoms such as fever and a cough.( antipyretic)
Supplemental oxygen
Mechanical ventilation
Prevention:
As in any other infectious diseases an effective personal hygiene can help to stop the spread of SARS.
Good personal hygiene practices can help restrict the spread of the virus. Which include following;
Frequent hand washing
Avoiding touching the eyes, mouth or nose with unclean hands
Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Encouraging others to do the same
Once its symptoms have developed, anyone with the disease should limit their interactions with other people until 10 days after their symptoms have improved. S
SARS is at its most contagious during the second week of illness.
Avoiding contact with bodily fluids
Disinfection of surfaces
CDC,s response to SARS outbreak in 2003
1. Activated it’s emergency operations center to provide a round the clock response to cases
2. Committed medical officers and team to deal with cases
3. Deployed medical officer, epidemiologist and other support team to investigation around the world.
4. Conducted extensive labtesting to identify cause of disease
5. Initiated a system for distributing health awareness message to public.
Response of CDC now:
6. CDC is continuing to work with other agency
7. Planning for rapid recognition and response if person to person transmission
8. CDC has developed recommended the guidelines to help public health and healthcare official plan for and respond quickly
9. Provide information on SARS
Recommendations for decreasing prevalence: yes there are recommandations developed by CDC for reducing the prevelance. Each case has to be informed to the WHO because it's highly infectious and there is no exact treatment or vaccine available so far. Even though it's a rare disease it's a fatal one so measures to be followed to effectively deecrease the prevalence rate there should be strict asepsis followed as below
Screen the new cases of SARS as per the guidelines of WHO given
The positive cases should be isolated
All the PPE to used while caring for patients
Proper disinfection of surfaces
Avoid close contact with the affected cases During incubation period
Avoid travelling to the SARS prone areas
Strengthening the diagnostics facilities
Follow the proper disposal of waste
Allot a dedicated medical team for dealing with cases
Provide a adequate training to health team about management of case
Provide awareness to the public about preventive measures.
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