Sars facts and figures
（South China Morning Post 2003.04.04 Pneumonia Outbreak）
WHAT IS SARS?
Sars stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has been termed atypical pneumonia. Scientists at the University of Hong Kong suggest it is caused by a new member of the coronavirus, which causes common colds. Microbiologists from the Chinese University and researchers overseas have also identified another type of virus, a paramyxovirus. According to the Department of Health, atypical pneumonia differs from common pneumonia in that it is caused by a virus and not bacteria.
SYMPTOMS
A fever of over 38 degrees Celsius, a dry cough, a headache across the forehead, breathlessness and sore throat, muscle and joint aches and skin sensitivity. Less common symptoms are a rash and/or diarrhoea. See your doctor or visit a hospital as quickly as possible if you display these symptoms. Your doctor or hospital is likely to send you for an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Wear a paper surgical mask, particularly if you have a cough or other respiratory symptoms. The more expensive variety, the N95, may not be ideal for those who have breathing problems, asthma or are pregnant because of its thick fibres which make it more difficult to draw in air. The mask should fit snugly over the face. If the mask has a metallic brace, this should be fixed securely over the bridge of the nose to prevent leakage.
A mask should last one day, but once it has become worn or damp it should be put in a plastic bag and disposed of. Wherever possible try to avoid confined, overcrowded spaces such as lifts, the MTR, buses and planes.
HOTLINES - WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
*Department of Health (pre-recorded health education hotline) 2833 0111
*Department of Health hotline for general advice (during office hours) 2961 8968
*For regular updates and health advice, visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.info.gov.hk/dh
*For international updates and advisories, visit the World Health Organisation Web site at www.who.int/csr/sars/en/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
（South China Morning Post 2003.04.04 Pneumonia Outbreak）
WHAT IS SARS?
Sars stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has been termed atypical pneumonia. Scientists at the University of Hong Kong suggest it is caused by a new member of the coronavirus, which causes common colds. Microbiologists from the Chinese University and researchers overseas have also identified another type of virus, a paramyxovirus. According to the Department of Health, atypical pneumonia differs from common pneumonia in that it is caused by a virus and not bacteria.
SYMPTOMS
A fever of over 38 degrees Celsius, a dry cough, a headache across the forehead, breathlessness and sore throat, muscle and joint aches and skin sensitivity. Less common symptoms are a rash and/or diarrhoea. See your doctor or visit a hospital as quickly as possible if you display these symptoms. Your doctor or hospital is likely to send you for an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Wear a paper surgical mask, particularly if you have a cough or other respiratory symptoms. The more expensive variety, the N95, may not be ideal for those who have breathing problems, asthma or are pregnant because of its thick fibres which make it more difficult to draw in air. The mask should fit snugly over the face. If the mask has a metallic brace, this should be fixed securely over the bridge of the nose to prevent leakage.
A mask should last one day, but once it has become worn or damp it should be put in a plastic bag and disposed of. Wherever possible try to avoid confined, overcrowded spaces such as lifts, the MTR, buses and planes.
HOTLINES - WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
*Department of Health (pre-recorded health education hotline) 2833 0111
*Department of Health hotline for general advice (during office hours) 2961 8968
*For regular updates and health advice, visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.info.gov.hk/dh
*For international updates and advisories, visit the World Health Organisation Web site at www.who.int/csr/sars/en/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
