Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

            Ever since the first case, Canada has been switched into panic mode over the SARS virus that has gone around. To add onto that, many people are also worried about the West Nile virus and the war in Iraq. But today, more people are worried about this particular virus. This virus has not only scared people from Toronto and surrounding area, but also from other places. People all around the world have cancelled their flights to Toronto because of SARS and there is a lowering amount of tourists going into Toronto. It does not seem plausible that a virus so similar to a common flu or cold should be taken so seriously. This essay can explain what SARS really is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how it is affecting Canada's economy.
             SARS is the acronym for severe acute respiratory system. This virus is an infection, which causes the lungs to swell and cause the victim to have difficulty breathing. The common symptoms of a person infected with SARS are coughs, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the case can get so severe that the patient must require oxygen support. Some other symptoms are muscle aches, headaches, and sore throats. The cause of SARS is unknown, but it is known that SARS can be contracted by physical contact with a person who is infected with SARS. According to Dr. James Young, Ontario's commissioner of public safety, "It takes time for measures to take effect, and the cases that are likely to appear [will involve people infected] before the preventive measures were put in place," (Young). In other words, doctors cannot prevent SARS because the effects of it do not happen right away. Cases of SARS have been found all over the world, including Canada, USA, France, Germany, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the believed place of origin, China. At the moment, China has the most reported cases of SARS with two thousand three hundred and twenty-six cases.