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Epidemiologic clues to SARS origin in China
Rui-Heng Xu1, Jian-Feng He, Meiron R Evans
1Guangdong Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 23, 2004
Summary
The 2002-2003 Guangdong severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic involved 1,454 cases. Early evidence suggests a potential wild animal origin, with cases appearing independently in multiple locations.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged in Foshan, China, in November 2002.
- The epidemic rapidly spread, necessitating urgent investigation into its origins and characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of the SARS outbreak in Foshan.
- To investigate potential sources and transmission patterns of the SARS epidemic.
- To describe clinical features and identify risk factors associated with SARS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of SARS case reports from November 2002 to April 2003.
- Inclusion of data from case investigations and a case series analysis of index cases.
- Analysis of clinical signs, symptoms, and demographic data.
Main Results:
- A total of 1,454 clinically confirmed SARS cases and 55 deaths were recorded, with a peak in early February 2003.
- Healthcare workers constituted 24% of cases; clinical presentations varied between children and the elderly.
- Early cases showed a higher likelihood of proximity to produce markets and included food handlers with probable animal contact, supporting a wild animal origin hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- The SARS epidemic in Foshan exhibited distinct epidemiological patterns.
- Findings suggest a potential zoonotic origin, highlighting the importance of monitoring animal-human interfaces.
- Understanding early transmission dynamics is crucial for controlling future outbreaks.
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