Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It primarily affected humans during a global outbreak in 2002-2003, causing severe pneumonia and respiratory distress.
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SARS first emerged in Guangdong, China, in November 2002, and rapidly spread internationally in 2003, causing a significant global outbreak. This epidemic highlighted the challenges of controlling rapidly spreading emerging infections and spurred major advancements in global public health surveillance and response systems. The virus was successfully contained by July 2003.
SARS-CoV primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, allowing for close-contact transmission. It can also spread indirectly via contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites). Airborne transmission, especially during aerosol-generating medical procedures, was also a concern in healthcare settings.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Acre and Rio Branco in Brazil are currently under alert for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. This indicates an active and potentially spreading severe respiratory illness in these regions, posing an immediate threat to public health.
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Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
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