The World Health Organization recently announced that scientists have conclusively identified the corona virus as the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), although the form of the microbe does not appear similar to any other known corona virus. Researchers have sought to identify the cause of the illness in recent weeks, other scientists have been working to develop a test to diagnose SARS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that one test might be shipped to state labs next week, but cautioned that its accuracy rate is not yet known. This diagnostic tool would likely work in the early stages of SARS and would search for viral genes in patients' nasal secretions. The CDC is not recommending the treatment regimen of ribavarin and steroids that has been used in Hong Kong. Worldwide, 3,300 cases of SARS and more than 160 deaths from the disease have been reported. In Ohio there are nine suspected cases and two probable cases of SARS that have been reported.
For more information and up-to-date information visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/basics.htm or contact the U.S. Department of Health of Public Health 24-hour SARS hot line, staffed by disease specialists at 1-866-627-7968.