WHO SARS International Reference and Verification Laboratory Network: Policy and Procedures in the Inter-Epidemic Period

Overview

WHO announced that the last chain of human transmission of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was broken on 5 July 2003, and thus the epidemic was over. For cases of SARS to reappear, the virus has to re-emerge from one of three sources: from an animal source, from a laboratory accident, or from undetected transmission cycles in human populations. However, regardless of the source of re-emergence, its rapid detection and specific diagnosis will be crucial in preventing any re-emergence of new cases which could initiate a new epidemic. Since 5 July there have been a number of laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV infections resulting from laboratory accidents (Singapore and Taiwan, China) and from exposure to animal sources or environmental contamination (China). Although none of these cases has been fatal nor resulted in secondary transmission, the resurgence of SARS leading to an epidemic remains a distinct possibility. In the post-epidemic period, all countries must remain vigilant for the recurrence of SARS and maintain their capacity to detect and respond to the reemergence of SARS should it occur.