ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To know their real epidemiological histories in 1,091 probale cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) without definite history of contact with SARS patients in the first survey. METHODS: All the probable SARS cases until June 9, 2003 without definite history of contact with SARS patients in the first epidemiological survey were included in a re-survey with questionnaire. The second survey was carried out during June 9 to 30, 2003. RESULTS: The results showed that history of contact with other SARS patients was obtained in 15.9% of 1 091 probale SRAS cases in the second survey, transmission of SARS to others was found in 10.5% of them, and source of infection in hospital was found in 46.5%. Comprehensive judgement based on epidemiological history showed that probale history of contact with SARS patients could be found in 72.9% of 1,091 probale cases of SARS in the second survey. CONCLUSION: Source of infection could be found through additional survey in part of probale cases of SARS without it in initial epidemiological survey.