Severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS] -Implications for a National health strategy

ABSTRACT

This article describes the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS] outbreak that started in February 2003 and affected more than 30 countries, infecting over 8,000 people worldwide, of which 900 died. In July 2003, the last chain of human transmission was broken in Taiwan; however, a list of unanswered questions and the expectation of a future recurrence remain. Therefore the World Health Organization is continuing its search for an effective treatment, vaccine and specific diagnostic test for the disease. At the same time, health officials worldwide are trying to restore and fortify their healthcare systems' infrastructures to handle any future SARS outbreak. Developing a comprehensive national health strategy to combat such emergencies [appears] is a current priority. The article summarizes available information on SARS case definition, epidemiology and control and prevention measures. It further highlights the importance of developing a national health strategy for contending with public health emergencies like SARS