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Spring
2003 - Article 5
Disinfectant
Update
SARS Epidemic
Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a fast spreading coronavirus that attacks
the respiratory system of people of all ages and health. SARS generally
begins with a fever greater than 100.4°F. The fever is sometimes
associated with chills, headache, malaise and body aches. After three
to seven days, the person can develop a dry, nonproductive cough that
may progress to the point where insufficient oxygen is getting to the
blood. In 10 - 20% of cases, patients require mechanical ventilation.
Deaths occur in about 5% of those affected. The number of reported cases
as of April 21, 2003 stands at 3,861 according to World Health Organization
(WHO) figures.
Currently,
little is known about this disease. No disinfectants exist that claim
to kill the virus. WHO is currently recommending a broad spectrum disinfectant
as part of a good housekeeping program for hospitals and other health
care providers that may come in contact with infected persons. Essential's
Neutral Germicidal Cleaner (#705)
would be the product of choice since its label carries a broad list
of organisms and contains a modern, four-chain quat formulation.
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