• Philip W H Peng, David T Wong, David Bevan, and Michael Gardam.
• Departments of Anesthesia, and Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto. , Toronto, Ontario, Canada. philip.peng@uhn.on.ca
• Can J Anaesth. 2003 Dec 1; 50 (10): 989997989-97.

PurposeTo describe the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Toronto, its impact on anesthesia practice and the infection control guidelines adopted to manage patients in the operating room (OR) and to provide emergency intubation outside the OR.Clinical FeaturesThe SARS outbreak in Toronto was the result of a single index patient. The causative virus, SARS-CoV, is moderately contagious, and is spread by droplets and contact. The virus gains access to host through the mucosa of the respiratory tract and the eyes. It can affect both healthy and compromised patients. The use of several precautionary measures such as goggles, gloves, gowns and facemasks and the application of various infection control strategies designed to minimize the spread of the virus are discussed.ConclusionIn containing the spread of SARS, vigilance and strict infection control are important. This results in the rediscovery of standards of infection control measures in daily anesthesia practice.

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