SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) Severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness. It
was first identified in China in late 2002 and was reported in
Asia in February 2003. Over the next few months SARS spread to
more than two dozen countries in North America, South America,
Europe, and Asia before it was contained. Although there have
been very few cases of occupationally acquired SARS in the
United States, NIOSH recognizes the potential for spread of the
disease within the workplace, especially for workers who
experience daily contact with the general public, such as health
care, medical transport, and airline personnel, as well as those
who deal directly with potentially SARS infected material, such
as laboratorians. The following topic page is designed to
present general information about the disease, increase
awareness of safety precautions and work related issues, and
provide links to additional information for workers and
employers. Should Know About SARS (CDC) Basic infor