Early in 2003, a previously unknown, but highly contagious disease began to appear in Asia and became known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. The earliest cases seem to have appeared in China, but the spread of the disease was accelerated by exposed/infected travelers, and cases appeared in Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Toronto, Canada. A smaller number of cases were also reported in the United States and Europe. A coronavirus never before seen in humans was identified in mid April 2003 as the cause of SARS. 

Center for Disease Control SARS fact sheet from the Center for Disease Control

SARS information selected by the Reference Dept of the City College of New York This site concentrates on Government documents and information about SARS both from the United States and from international resources. Topics covered include Blood Supply, Case Definitions, Cases Reported, Countries & Governments, General Background, Healthcare Facilities, Healthcare Personnel, Laboratories, Legal Resources, Presidential Communications, Prevention & Precautions, Public Health Campaigns, Quarantine, Travel Advisories, Travel & Transport, the Virus and the World Health Organization.