About Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. The illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before the SARS global outbreak of 2003 was contained.

Currently, there is no known SARS transmission anywhere in the world. The most recent human cases of SARS-CoV infection were reported in China in April 2004 in an outbreak resulting from laboratory-acquired infections. CDC and its partners, including the World Health Organization, continue to monitor the SARS situation globally. Any new updates on disease transmission and SARS preparedness activities will be posted at this site.

For Kids

Stalking SARS: CDC at work

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Learn more about SARS

• Fact sheet covering basic information about SARS
  • SARS English [3 pages]
  • SARS [3 pages]
  • SARS [3 pages]
  • SARS [3 pages]
  • SARS [3 pages]
  • SARS en español
• Frequently asked questions about SARS
  • English
  • Spanish
• Information for Specific Groups and Settings
• Guidance for Travel
• Questions and Answers about Travel and Quarantine
• U.S. Government Web sites
• WHO and Other International Websites
• References and Resources