General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To Inform my audience about the basics of

Severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS

Central Idea:

The symptoms, cause and the possible treatment for one of the most deadly virus, SARS.

Introduction How many of you have been watching the news? How many of you have expressed concern about this emerging virus, SARS? Do you know what it is, its symptoms and what is causing it and how to avoid being infected? Credibility I am the Senior Medial Advisor for the World Health Organization and I am here to inform the Jamaican public on the recent outbreak of the SARS virus. Relevance SARS is a deadly new disease that is now spreading globally at an alarming rate and everyone here, your family and friends are at risk. No one is immune. Thesis This evening I would like to tell you about the symptoms, cause and the possible treatment for one of the most deadly virus, SARS. Transition First, I will tell you what is SARS. BODY Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is believed to have originated in southern China in November 2002. It is a respiratory illness, similar to pneumonia, which has infected thousands of people globally and killed hundreds. Researchers are now hunting for a cure and a possible vaccine.

Transition We now know what SARS is. Now, lets move on to examine the most likely cause of this virus. Scientists discovered that a previously unknown microbe known as corona virus, which is usually associated with the common cold, but can cause serious respiratory illnesses in animals, causes the disease. Transition Now that you know what SARS is and the possible cause, lets examine its symptoms. In general, SARS strongly resembles pneumonia or the flu. It usually begins with a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms include: Headache Overall discomfort Body aches Mild respiratory symptoms Dry cough and trouble

breathing

(after

to

days)

The incubation period for SARS is typically 2 to 7 days. Transition We know what SARS is, the possible cause and symptoms. We will now examine how SARS is spread. The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-toperson contact. Most cases of SARS have involved persons who care for or live with someone with SARS, or had direct contact with infectious material (e.g. respiratory secretions) with a person who has SARS. There is no evidence that SARS spreads through casual contact, such as being on the same airplane with someone who has SARS. Transition Who is at risk for SARS?

Cases of SARS continue to be reported among persons who have had direct close contact with an infected person, such as those sharing households. People over age 40 and those who have other medical problems, such as heart or liver disease, seem to do the worst, while younger sufferers have a much higher survival rate. Transition We have discussed what SARS is, possible cause, its symptoms, how it is spread and who is at risk. Now I will inform you of possible treatments. So far, there has been no known cure, but for now, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that healthcare workers treat the symptoms of SARS in the same way they would handle any other unknown form of atypical (unusual) pneumonia. Although the effectiveness is uncertain, reported regimens (treatment) include the administration of:

Antibiotics Antiviral agents

Other options are presently being explored. Between 10 to 20 percent of SARS patients have required ventilator support for a period of time. Transition Now that we have covered the basics of SARS, here are some recommendations and guidelines to follow to safeguard against this virus: Practising good personal hygiene is the key way of stopping the spread of this disease. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently. Additionally it is important to cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing with tissue, a handkerchief or a rag. Common household disinfectants are sufficient for cleaning toilets, sinks, and other surfaces touched by patients with SARS. The Ministry of Health, Jamaica, based on recommendations from WHO, has issued a travel advisory that non-essential travel to China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region be postponed until further

notice. This is due to the concern about the level of transmission of the SARS virus in these countries. Transition Is Jamaica preparing for this outbreak and how is Jamaica responding to the threat of SARS? The Ministry of Health in Jamaica has initiated a number of activities to prepare health care professionals as well as the wider public for the eventuality that any case of the virus reaches the island. Some of the Ministry's initiatives include: 1. 2. 3. A series of seminars and workshops designed to advise health care professionals of precautions while treating patients with SARS. Media alerts and briefings for public education. Areas of quarantine have been established at the International Airports and specific hospitals. One at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and the other in Mandeville. Briefings of flight attendants and personnel at the International Airports.

4.

So far, there has been no reported case of SARS in Jamaica. Transition We have just examined the symptoms, the current treatment, and the spread of SARS, and what is being done to cure or at least control this virus. CONCLUSION SARS is a deadly disease that is spreading globally and we all have to do our part to combat this virus. Let me hope that this information has been beneficial to you all. For further information about SARS, visit the World Health Organization website at www.who.int/csr/sars and the Ministry of Health, Jamaica website at www.moh.gov.jm.

Works Cited
How SARS Works, Neer Katherine, www.science.howstuffworks.com, Thursday, May 8, 2003 Flights Full To Jamaica, Inspite Of War, Sars, Radcliffe Robinson, The Jamaica-Gleaner.com, Thursday, May 8, 2003 Junor denies SARS cases here Observer Reporter The Jamaica Observer Thursday, April 10, 2003 China: SARS battle remains 'grave' Jaime Flurcruz & Lisa Rose Weaver www.cnn.com Tuesday, May 6, 2003 SARS - Beyond Our Control, But Not Beyond God's Kevin Miller www.chinesewomentoday.com Tuesday, May 20, 2003