Severe acute respiratory syndrome is an acute respiratory infection that has been reported in a number of places. It is a form of atypical pneumonia caused by a new agent.

The disease can be transmitted by respiratory droplets over a short distance of one metre or through direct contact with a patient's secretions.

Symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome include: fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and chills, coughing, shortness of breath, headache, aching body and general malaise.

Any person with respiratory illness symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and wear a face mask.
 
  Why wear a face mask?
Wearing a face mask properly offers satisfactory protection against respiratory tract infections. If you have a respiratory tract infection it also helps prevent the spread of the illness.

 
  Who should wear a face mask?
- People with respiratory illness symptoms and those who in close contact with cases of atypical pneumonia should wear a face mask. Their carers and those visiting - sick people in hospitals should also wear a face mask.
- Those involved in the preparation or serving of food should wear a face mask.
- Members of the public may wear a face mask for self protection.
  Points to note about wearing a face mask:
- Wash hands before putting on a face mask, and after taking one off.
- Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
  When wearing a surgical face mask, ensure that:
- The face mask fits snugly over the face.
    -The coloured side of the face mask faces the outside.
    -The strings or rubber bands are used properly to keep the face mask firmly in place.
    -The face mask covers the nose, mouth and chin.
    -The metallic strip at the top of the mask is fixed securely over the bridge of the nose to prevent leakage.
    -Under general circumstances, a surgical mask should be changed daily. Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled.
- Put used face masks into a plastic bag and tie the bag closed before putting it into a rubbish bin with a lid.
- Wearing a face mask is just one way to help prevent respiratory tract infections.
- The most important thing you should do is to observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently with liquid soap. Always wash hands after sneezing, coughing, cleaning the nose; after going to the toilet; before preparing food. You can also build up body immunity by developing a healthy lifestyle ¡V eat well, get plenty of rest, exercise, don't smoke.