APA Dictionary of Psychology

a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV. It typically presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, malaise, myalgia, headache, and cough, that can progress to pneumonia and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. SARS-CoV is a zoonotic virus capable of infecting humans as well as some other mammals, including monkeys, cats, dogs, and rodents. The first recognized outbreak occurred in late 2002–2003, originating in Asia and spreading internationally to Europe, North America, and other regions, resulting in more than 8,000 cases and over 700 deaths. Rapid global public health interventions, including surveillance, isolation, and international coordination, led to containment by July 2003. No naturally acquired cases of SARS have been reported since 2004.