SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral infection caused by the SARS coronavirus. It emerged in 2002 and led to a global outbreak. SARS primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and can progress to severe pneumonia. Most people recover, but it can be fatal, especially in older adults. Efforts to contain SARS focused on quarantine and public health measures. Though it hasn't been a major threat since 2003, the virus remains a reminder of the potential for emerging infectious diseases.