Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization continue to monitor Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.  By the time the SARS epidemic ended on July 5, 2003, cases had been reported from at least 29 different countries. There were 8,098 cases of SARS reported worldwide, with 774 SARS deaths.

Cases primarily involved health care workers caring for patients with SARS, and close family contacts.

In Michigan, no cases of SARS were reported. Three cases from Michigan were suspected of having SARS in early 2003, but laboratory evidence later ruled out SARS in these patients.

CDC issues Interim Recommendations for Enhanced US Surveillance, Testing and Infection Control for Influenza A (H5N1) and SARS

• Laboratory
• Infection Control

Michigan Guidance to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS):

Guidance document
Guidance document executive summary

Department of Community Health SARS Forms:

Michigan Department of Community Health SARS Laboratory Flowchart:

Michigan Department of Community Health Press Releases:

April 16

April 1

March 25

For further information about SARS:

The CDC:  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/

The World Health Organization:  http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/