Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). First identified in late 2002 in the Guangdong province of China, SARS rapidly spread to over 30 countries, leading to a global public health emergency by mid-2003. The disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, malaise, muscle pain, headache, diarrhea, and often progresses to respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and pneumonia. Severe cases can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. The transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets, with close person-to-person contact being a significant factor in the spread. Environmental contamination and airborne transmission also contribute to its spread in specific settings. SARS-CoV is an RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family and exhibits zoonotic origins, with bats being a primary reservoir and civet cats serving as intermediate hosts in the zoonotic transfer to humans. Molecular studies reveal that the virus targets the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells, facilitating viral entry and replication. The outbreak highlighted significant challenges in global health governance, including delayed reporting, insufficient preparedness, and inadequate international coordination. Control measures, such as quarantine, travel restrictions, and strict infection control protocols, were critical in containing the outbreak. The implementation of rapid diagnostic testing, alongside public health measures, played a vital role in managing and eventually ending the epidemic. However, the SARS outbreak underscored the need for improved surveillance, better diagnostic tools, and robust public health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks. Furthermore, it prompted extensive research into coronavirus biology, pathogenesis, and vaccine development, laying the groundwork for managing future emerging infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.