Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was responsible for a large worldwide outbreak that affected 8,098 people and killed 774 between November 2002 and July 2003.

In preparation for the possible return of SARS, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is developing educational materials for the public and health care professionals, to rapidly identify illnesses that meet the case definition for SARS and to prevent spread of the disease.

• About SARS
  Fact sheet and background information on SARS.
  
  
• Reporting Suspect and Probable SARS and Health Care Workers Hospitalized for Pneumonia or ARDS
  Healthcare providers and clinical laboratories are required to report cases and suspect cases to the Minnesota Department of Health.