SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus. It first appeared in China in 2002 and quickly spread to other countries, leading to a global outbreak. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and it can be severe in some cases. The outbreak of SARS was contained by public health measures, including isolation of patients and travel restrictions. Although it is no longer a widespread threat, SARS raised awareness about the importance of monitoring and controlling coronaviruses, which are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.