SARS and Technological Communication SARS,

SARS and Technological Communication

SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes, is a viral disease in humans. Between November of 2002 and July 2003 an outbreak of this disease in Hong Kong became a global concern and almost a pandemic. There were almost 10,000 cases and 775 deaths, showing a 9.6% fatality ratio. The World Health Organization, (WHO) said it was one of the 21st century's worst disasters because it spread to 37 countries within weeks. The most vulnerable populations were those over 65, and it was that age group that had the most deaths (Smith, 2006). SARS cannot be treated with antibiotics, since it is a viral disease. No evidence has been found that anti-virals, stories, or other standard viral treatments were effective. Currently, there is no cure or protective vaccine for SARS (Stockman, et al., 2006).

While the Chinese government was quite silent until February 2003, the Western World picked up information via the Internet of a serious and drastic "flu" epidemic through the Global Public Health Intelligence Network, nad WHO's Global Outbreak and Alert Response Network. These two groups monitor Internet traffic for keywords about potential plagues and disease vectors and had just recently upgraded to use Arabic, Chinese, English, Russian, French and Spanish translations. Thus, the Internet provided the first true reports of unusual outbreaks, even though the first English Report was not official generated until January 21, 2003 (Heyman, 2004).

Many experts credit enhanced communications technology as the primary reason that China had to admit that there was a problem, and allow United Nations officials access to data. Global cellphones and satellite transmissions make it far easier for a doctor or a medical professional -- even someone in the media -- to transmit data from less populated and remote regions. The power of the Internet is that it can upload data for analysis as well, thus opening the partnership between global disease specialists and local medical personnel. WHO was then able to issue emergency travel advisories, global alerts, and help medical personnel in other countries more quickly identify the possible strain, and take adequate precautions. (Who issues global, 2003).

The impact and seriousness of the SARS epidemic proves that population health technology needs more attention. This includes the Internet, wireless devices, and mobile/smart phones. In the event of another outbreak, a bioterrorism attack, or even a serious public health emergency, these devices help gather, detect, and communicate information to a global audience that has a greater chance of working collaboratively to find a cure, vaccine, or at least understand how to quarantine certain populations and help prevent the disease's spread (Eysenbach, 2003).