How to tell if Sars strikes

What is Sars?

Sars stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and describes a pneumonia-like illness that has killed 62 people and infected more than 1700 around the world.

How do you know if you have Sars or "the flu"?

Many of the symptoms are the same but the World Health Organisation says a case of Sars must have a high fever (greater than 38C) and one or more respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and the person must have travelled to one of the affected countries in the 10 days before becoming unwell or had close contact with a confirmed case of Sars in that time.

Headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, unexplained tiredness, confusion, rash and diarrhoea are among the less common symptoms.

Which countries have reported cases of Sars?

So far, most cases have originated in Hong Kong and Vietnam. This week Australia reported its first suspected case and more than 30 new cases have been reported in Canada. In New Zealand a small number of people have been investigated but there have been no reported cases.

Cases have been reported in 15 countries across three continents.

How does Sars spread?

Almost all reported cases of Sars have occurred among people in close contact with a confirmed case, such as family members or health care workers. There is no evidence yet that Sars can be spread by casual contact.

What about travel plans?

The WHO suggests people who are considering non-essential travel to the worst-affected areas reconsider their plans. There are no official travel restrictions.

What should people do if they think they have Sars?

The Ministry of Health suggests a person with mild symptoms, who is not having trouble breathing, telephone their GP for advice. If a person is having difficulty breathing an ambulance should be called immediately.

What causes Sars?

Researchers believe the virus responsible for Sars is a member of the well-known Paramyxoviridae family.

Although the virus has been isolated experts are still working on a diagnostic test to help doctors quickly confirm cases of Sars.

Is there a vaccine or treatment available?

There is no vaccine and no specific treatment available at the moment. Antibiotics have not been effective in treating Sars. Providing oxygen and fluids is the best available treatment and most people with Sars have recovered.