SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Coronaviruses in Feces?
It is not uncommon for respiratory viruses to be found in feces for a period of time. Some laboratories in the WHO network have reported finding the new coronavirus in stool specimens. Research is under way in the United States and other countries to learn more about the presence and concentration of the virus in different body fluids, including feces. Researchers also are evaluating if the virus can spread to others through different body fluids.

Coronaviruses Survival in the Environment
In general, enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses do not last a long time in the environment. In earlier studies, a different coronavirus was shown to survive for up to 3 hours on surfaces. At this time, it is uncertain how long the newly discovered coronavirus associated with SARS can survive in the environment. In one preliminary study, researchers in Hong Kong found that both dried and liquid samples of the new coronavirus survived as long as 24 hours in the environment. Additional studies are under way to examine this important question.

Hand Hygiene and SARS
Excellent hand hygiene (with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or frequent hand washing) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of SARS. This is especially important after toileting and before eating.

Surgical Masks and SARS
The CDC is suggesting that people with SARS symptoms (fever and cough or difficulty breathing) wear surgical masks, and/or that people around them wear surgical masks. The SARS outbreak is still small, with fewer than 2,300 cases identified in a world of billions. This is the best time to prevent its spread.