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Introduction
SARS is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated cornonavirus (SARS-CoV), a new member in the family Coronaviridae. The incubation period is typically 2 to 7 days with cases ranging up to 10 days. Fever, usually greater than 100.4°F, heralds the onset of illness and may be accompanied by chills, malaise, headache, diarrhea, and myalgias giving an overall flu-like picture. Lower respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea may develop after the initial incubation period, and can progress to hypoxemia severe enough to require mechanical ventilation. The illness follows a variable course and outcome is strongly associated with patient age. Mortality rates are lowest in children, who typically experience a mild form of the disease, and are highest in the elderly and individuals with chronic disease. The case-fatality ratio is 9.6%.
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