Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

SARS is the acronym for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, also commonly known as atypical pneumonia. The disease, although rare, is highly contagious and exhibits an above-average mortality rate. There is no known vaccine, and at the time of the 2003 outbreak a well-developed procedure for treatment of the disease was not yet in place. Although incidents of the disease were reported world-wide, Hong Kong reported the largest number of cases. The toll on public health officials was especially high, as they were generally the most exposed. Standard clinical procedures were not sufficient protection.

After eleven days with no new reported cases the chance of contracting the disease in Hong Kong was so abysmally low that even the symbolic value of wearing a face mask was no longer meaningful. It was hoped that the eleven people still under critical care in Hong Kong hospitals would be able to survive, and that the local health authorities would keep their guard up. It seemed like most everyone was yearning to show their smiling face without fear that someone's cough or sneeze could threaten his or her life.