SARS is an illness associated with infection with a new human pathogen, SARS-associated Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that frequently cause human illness in the form of the common cold. This particular species is much more pathogenic and is associated with a high mortality rate in spite of aggressive management in sophisticated health care facilities. SARS appears to spread primarily by close person-to-person contact, including situations in which people have cared for, lived with or had direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a person with SARS. Infection is usually transmitted by close contact, such as touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Although the mode of transmission is likely by large, infected droplets in the air, there is concern that the virus may be transmitted by other means, including ingestion of infected material.

Currently, there is no effective treatment other than supportive care. Control of epidemic spread is by isolation/quarantine of infected and exposed individuals; use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, gloves; and hand hygiene.

The safety of Duke's workforce, students, patients and visitors is a primary focus of the university administration and its operating units, including Occupational and Environmental Safety, Student Health Center (SHC), Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW), and University and Medical Center Risk Management. The university reserves the right to monitor and restrict the activities of faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors to protect the health of the institution. Duke health and safety units interact regularly among themselves and with public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control, North Carolina Public Health Department and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The university continues to obtain new information as it is developed and released by national and international agencies. Based on this information the university will issue guidance on SARS, which will be updated as pertinent information becomes available.