Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Sars . You can also contract SARS by touching a surface contaminated with respiratory droplets from an infected person and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. SARS is a life-threatening respiratory disease caused by a recently identified coronavirus; the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). (PDF) Participation of both Host and Virus Factors in ... (Frances Morton) Most respiratory illnesses, including SARS, spread through droplets that enter the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of viral pneumonia caused by the SARS coronavirus. Hospital infection control guidance for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). SARS was the result of infection by a coronavirus that scientists named SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Rarely, severe lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, can occur, primarily in infants, older peopl...