SARS

Less than 1% for people aged 24 or younger, 6% for those 25 to 44, 15% for those 45 to 64, and more than 50% for those over 65 (Update 49)

Microbial Group

Rubella virus

Rubella virus causes the disease rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in pregnancy. Rubella has symptoms like the flu, however, the most important symptom is the appearance of a rash on the face that spreads. Other symptoms include: fever, swollen glands, and joint pains. Rare problems that could arise are brain inflammation and ear infection. Congenital rubella syndrome is present in newborns. A pregnant woman who has contracted rubella passes it on to the fetus. The classic three symptoms are: deafness, eye abnormalities, and congenital heart disease. Other symptoms may be: spleen and liver problems, intellectual disability, and low birth weight. In many cases, pregnant women may lose their child, due to a miscarriage. 

Microbial Group

Rhinovirus

During a 6-week period in 2003 in a long term care facility for elderly persons, 56 residents and 26 staff developed respiratory illness in a long-term facility; 12 residents died (Louie et al, 2005)

Microbial Group

Poliovirus

Poliovirus is the virus that causes polio. Most people who get infected with poliovirus will not show any visible symptoms. Some will have flu like symptoms, like sore throat, fever, and stomach pain. A small proportion of people infected with poliovirus may develop more serious problems, like paralysis and meningitis. 

Microbial Group

Parainfluenza virus

Parainfluenza viruses are the groups of viruses that cause parainfluenza. There are four different forms of HPIV cause an infection in the respiratory area of a person’s body. Symptoms of parainfluenza are like the common cold, like a fever, cough, wheezing, and sore throat.

Microbial Group

Norovirus

When someone is infected with norovirus, the virus mainly affects the small intestine. The disease is usually self-limiting, with symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Lethargy, weakness, headaches and muscle aches, and fevers may occur. 

Microbial Group

Lassa virus

About 15%-20% of hospitalized Lassa fever patients will die from the illness. It is estimated that the overall mortality rate is 1%, however during epidemics mortality can climb as high as 50% (Wikipedia)

Microbial Group

Influenza

In 2007, influenza caused 411 deaths: 79 of them in persons aged 75-84 years and 139 of them in persons aged 85 years and older (Xu et al, 2007)

Microbial Group