How SARS spreads
The main way that SARS seems to spread is by close person-to-person contact. The virus that causes
SARS is thought to be transmitted most readily by respiratory droplets (droplet spread) produced when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplet spread can happen when droplets from the cough or sneeze
of an infected person are propelled a short distance (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited
on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of persons who are nearby. The virus also can
spread when a person touches a surface or object contaminated with infectious droplets and then touches
his or her mouth, nose, or eye(s). In addition, it is possible that the SARS virus might spread more
broadly through the air (airborne spread) or by other ways that are not now known.