Task 1: Communicable Disease Outbreak

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Isaiah Cholico 10/20/13 Environmental and Global Issues Task A: SARS ● Communicable Disease Outbreak SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, it was first reported in Asia in February 2003. (CDC) SARS is a respiratory virus caused by coronavirus. It is believed that the first case of SARS was a farmer in China. SARS spread very quickly from Asia and reached many countries from North and South America to Europe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from November 2002 to July 2003 there were 8,098 reported cases of SARS from 29 countries. (CDC) There was only evidence of 8 cases reported in the United States. ● Epidemiology Indicators and Analysis Adults make up the majority of cases of SARS, there has been rare incidence of children infected by SARS. The average incubation period is 5 days but can range from 2-10 days. (WHO) The disease is passed when the infected person becomes symptomatic. SARS is considered a relatively low transmissible disease and is most often spread among families in hospital or hotels. The common…show more content…
Civets are mammals that resemble cats and can be found in China where the outbreak began. Once a human is infected by the SARS virus it is spread from person to person when they sneeze or cough and requires close proximity to one another. It is believed that the virus is in the tiny droplets of water that are produced from sneezing or coughing. These droplets can fall on surfaces and if touched by other humans can be transmitted. SARS is also considered a nosocomial disease if not contained because of the close proximity healthcare workers have with their patients. Other factors for transmitting the disease is if you live with an infected person, or have direct contact with respiratory secretions or body fluids. Kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, talking within 3 feet, and examining patients.

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