Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
Published on: November 10, 2023
[Epidemiological study of the features of the index cases in SARS case clusters]
Xin-wei Chu1, Qing Chen, Min Wu
1Department of Epidemiology, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. qingchen@fimmu.com
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological characteristics of the index cases in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases clusters and to evaluate their importance in the whole epidemic process of SARS.
Methods:
Data of the index SARS cases and the subsequent case clusters were collected by means of face-to-face interview in combination with field investigation and case history consultations.
Results:
In all three SARS clusters, the index cases all had chronic disease and played the role of infection source that transmitted the virus to the patients' family members, attending medical staff as well as other non-SARS patients sharing the same ward with them.
Conclusion:
The index cases played an important role in transmission of SARS virus among the case clusters, and their infective stages are confined within certain phases of the disease course.
Related Concept Videos
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Introduction to Epidemiology
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Coronavirus
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
