Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, commonly known as SARS, first came onto the scene in November 2002 in mainland China. The respiratory disease is characterized by fever and coughing much like flu. While at first the etiological agent was unknown, through persistent research scientists discovered it to be a coronavirus. This causative agent created history because it was the first time it has ever been found in the human population. This coronavirus raised many questions for scientists as to why the pathogen causes morbidity and mortality. (Fidler)

When a person is infected by the disease there is normally an incubation period of two to seven days. Once this time is up symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches will arise. In about 10-20 percent of cases, patients will have diarrhea. Next comes a dry cough and shortness of breath. If the person does not receive medical attention it can...