Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(Atypical pneumonia)

What is SARS?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, also known as SARS or atypical pneumonia, is a severe form of pneumonia, accompanied by a fever. It is a serious infectious disease and can be fatal.

How is SARS spread?

It is believed the illness spreads via droplets from coughing and sneezing, or from direct face-to-face contact with an ill person.

The signs and symptoms are:

• Sudden onset of high fever (over 38.0 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
• AND one or more of the following:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• AND one or more of the following:
• Close contact with a probable or suspect case
• Recent history of travel within the past ten days to Asia and especially Vietnam, the People's Republic of China including Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and Taiwan (as identified by Health Canada April 1^st, 2003)
• If you were in Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division between March 16-25 or York Central Hospital, Richmond Hill between March 16-28, and were not wearing a protective mask
• If you were in a defined centre that is associated with a cluster of cases, within 10 days of symptoms starting

How can this illness be prevented?

• Thorough and frequent handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of illness
• Keep a good distance from anyone who is coughing and/or sneezing
• Avoid touching the soiled tissues and other personal articles of those who are unwell

What to do?

There are several telephone information hotlines to choose from:

• People who don't have any symptoms of SARS but have general questions about the illness can call Ontario's Health Infoline at 1-888-668-4636 or visit http://www.health.gov.on.ca
• If you have been to Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division between March 16 and 25, please call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
• If you are a close contact of a person with SARS or have visited York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill between March 16 and 28, please call York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653. Hours of operation have been extended, with service offered
• 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., seven days per week
• Visit the York Region website www.region.york.on.ca
• The York Region SARS Assessment Clinic has opened in Markham specifically for those who feel they may have been exposed or contracted SARS. Call Health Connection for details.