Print DiagnosisWhen SARS first surfaced, no specific tests were available. Now several laboratory tests can help detect the virus. But no known transmission of SARS has occurred anywhere in the world since 2004. TreatmentDespite a concerted global effort, scientists have yet to find an effective treatment for SARS. Antibiotic drugs don't work against viruses, and antiviral drugs haven't shown much benefit. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes Oct. 08, 2021 Print Show references SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/ith/diseases/sars/en/. Accessed Aug. 30, 2019. McIntosh K. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 30, 2019. Walls RM, et al., eds. Viruses. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 30, 2019. Yin Y, et al. MERS, SARS and other coronaviruses as causes of pneumonia. Respirology. 2018; doi: 10.1111/resp.13196. De Wit E, et al. SARS and MERS: recent insights into emerging coronaviruses. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2016; doi:10.1038/nrmicro.2016.81. Song Z, et al. From SARS to MERS, thrusting coronaviruses into the spotlight. Viruses. 2019; doi:10.3390/v11010059. Hospital infection control guidance for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/ihr/lyon/surveillance/infectioncontrol/en/. Accessed Aug. 30, 2019. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)Symptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20164019 patient-care-and-health-information diseases-conditions Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)