University Name: Principles of Epidemiology - SARS Case Study Report

This report examines a case study on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), focusing on its epidemiology and transmission patterns. The analysis includes the identification of risk factors, such as direct contact with infected individuals and the role of household pets and unsanitary conditions in disease spread. The report also delves into the modes of transmission, highlighting the importance of contact with infectious droplets and contaminated fomites, especially in healthcare settings. The findings emphasize the significance of understanding these factors to control and prevent the spread of SARS, with references to relevant research and case studies.

Running Head: PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Response to question 1
SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome which is a severe form of
pneumonia. It is caused by SARS virus that causes acute respiratory disabilities that can
sometime cause death. Epiville is an educational tool that has been designed specifically for
enhancing the web-based learning outcomes. SARS virus belongs to a group of corona virus
that also causes common cold. It can spread via cough or sneeze from the infected persons to
the healthy persons. From the case study it is thus, clear that the individuals who either had a
direct contact with the infected person or had cared for the person are at highest risk for the
disease (Epiville.ccnmtl.columbia.edu, 2019).
Response to question 2
From the case study, it is clear that the people who are suffering from the disease
spread the disease to normal healthy person. For example, a 70 year old man who was
suffering from respiratory disorders was looked after a doctor and a nurse who fell sick
within week (Who.int, 2019). This example shows the pattern in which the virus affects the
healthy people. It is also seen that the individuals who either have a pet at their house or do
not clean their house regularly also fall prey to SARS virus. This is because research has
shown that animal source virus of SARS is found in people who are infected with SARS.
This virus is common in household pets and other insects commonly found in household such
as cockroaches (Who.int, 2019).
Response to question 3
Thus, the conclusions that can be drawn on the mode of transmissions of the diseases
is through the contact with the infectious droplets as the route of infection is through the
mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth or exposure to the poisonous fomites

2PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(Suwantarat & Apisarnthanarak, 2015). The case study also explains that the care givers often
fall sick while looking after the patients who were admitted to the hospital with respiratory
diseases. In healthcare settings or any closed environments such as household there is
contamination in inanimate objects through the secretions of body fluids that includes tears,
saliva or urine. The contamination can also be from the infectious respiratory secretions.
Thus, all these factors seem to play an integral role in the transmission of the disease (Kim et
al., 2017).

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References
Epiville.ccnmtl.columbia.edu. (2019). Epiville. Epiville.ccnmtl.columbia.edu.
Kim, S. W., Park, J. W., Jung, H. D., Yang, J. S., Park, Y. S., Lee, C., ... & Choi, B. (2017).
Risk factors for transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
infection during the 2015 outbreak in South Korea. Clinical Infectious
Diseases, 64(5), 551-557.
Suwantarat, N., & Apisarnthanarak, A. (2015). Risks to healthcare workers with emerging
diseases: lessons from MERS-CoV, Ebola, SARS, and avian flu. Current opinion in
infectious diseases, 28(4), 349-361.
Who.int. (2019). WHO | Case Definitions for Surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS). Who.int.