Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): a review of the history, epidemiology, prevention, and concerns for the future

Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2003 Jul;14(3):240-4. doi: 10.1016/s1045-1870(03)00056-6.

Abstract

During the first part of 2003, the world experienced the first epidemic of the 21st century with the emergence of a new and readily transmissible disease. The disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), spread quickly and caused numerous deaths, as well as public panic. This article provides a brief review of the initial history of the epidemiology, as well as of the clinical definition, occurrence in the pediatric population, etiology, prevention, drug studies, and considerations for the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / drug therapy
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / prevention & control
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / prevention & control
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / genetics
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / isolation & purification
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / pathogenicity
  • United States
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents