Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS corona virus (SARS-CoV). It shows the clinical picture of an atypical pneumonia. SARS can be transmitted from person to person via the so-called droplet infection. Indirect transmission via contaminated surfaces and materials is also possible. Corona viruses similar to the SARS virus have now been detected in wild Chinese mammals, so it can be assumed that such animals are the transmitters of the virus.

The disease can be preceded by an incubation period of up to ten days. The infection usually begins suddenly with high fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and muscle pain. As a result, severe pneumonia can develop.