a respiratory disease of unknown etiology that apparently originated in mainland China in 2003; characterized by fever and coughing or difficulty breathing or hypoxia; can be fatal

a potentially deadly respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. It has recently been reported in Asia, North America and Europe. SARS may be spread by touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eye(s), nose or mouth. It also is possible that SARS can be spread through the air or in other ways that are currently not known. /P Unlike the common cold, SARS symptoms generally begin with a fever greater than 100.4øF. Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. After two to seven days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing.

A viral respiratory illness that was first reported in Asia in February 2003.