Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a new infectious disease that causes mild to fatal cases of respiratory illness similar to pneumonia. SARS is caused by a virus spread by close person-to-person contact and through the air, including:

• caring for or living with someone with SARS
• kissing, embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils
• contact with body fluids and/or secretions of someone with SARS

When someone with SARS coughs or sneezes and droplets fall onto themselves, others and nearby surfaces or objects, the disease can spread. If after touching an infected person or contaminated object, you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you may become infected.

Frequent hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers is a must. Other protective measures include following standard infection control procedures in your work area, using the right personal protective equipment, and knowing your employer’s responsibilities (see SARS fact sheet).

Symptoms of SARS

• A fever over 100.4° F
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Dry cough

Who is at risk?

Anyone who 10 days before showing symptoms either traveled to a known SARS infected area or had close contact with a person with a suspected case of SARS. At particular risk are healthcare, EMS, lab, housekeeping and mortuary workers.

Of the 64 probable cases of SARS in the U.S. — with no deaths — two were healthcare workers, one was a household contact and 61 traveled to infected areas.

Gains made by DC 37 and its members in protecting workers from TB and other infectious diseases on the job have helped limit the threat of SARS today, at work and in the community.

Get up-to-date information:
Call DC 37’s Safety & Health Dept. at (212) 815-1685.