Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV), first emerged 10 years ago and shortly evolved into a global epidemic. During the 2003 outbreak, there were 8096 people with reported probable SARS worldwide and a total of 774 associated mortalities.1 If not for immediate and concerted efforts worldwide to control the outbreak the numbers could have been even higher. In light of the current emergence of a SARS-like virus2 coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the outbreak, and as the author of the original paper which found SARS-CoV in tears,3 it would seem timely to remind ophthalmologists and physicians to be on constant alert and adhere to infection control practices.

SARS causes …