SARS Coronavirus Outbreak Emerges in China

A novel coronavirus, later designated SARS-CoV-1, emerged in Foshan, Guangdong province, China in November 2002. The virus spread through respiratory droplets, with healthcare workers particularly affected. WHO infectious disease specialist Carlo Urbani identified the disease as a new pathogen in February 2003; he died from SARS the following month. The outbreak infected over 8,000 people across 30 countries with an 11% fatality rate before WHO declared it contained in July 2003.