SARS: how to manage future outbreaks?

摘要: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was an unknown disease barely 3 years ago. After the World Health Organization declared world SARS-free on 5 July 2003, there were episodic recurrences of SARS between September 2003 and May 2004, including 4 cases laboratory-acquired SARS. posed a mammoth challenge because impact nosocomial transmission healthcare manpower facilities, resources needed for controlling preventing further spread. Through worldwide scientific collaboration, medical community has made much progress in unraveling its enigma, though more needs to be discovered. This paper highlights how we can apply our knowledge epidemiology, mode transmission, clinical course, ICU admission, complications, predictors poor outcome, treatment infection control help us avert catastrophic outbreak, manage patients. preparedness response planning must flexible dynamic so that appropriate measures implemented as outbreak progresses. Even if does not reemerge, experience gained from such is valuable preparing threats bioterrorism or global avian influenza A (H5N1) virus pandemic.