IIRC SARS was also most contagious after the victim was experiencing severe symptoms. This had a couple effects: 1. It meant that it didn't spread as quickly

IIRC SARS was also most contagious after the victim was experiencing severe symptoms. This had a couple effects: 1. It meant that it didn't spread as quickly because people were already bedridden during the worst phase 2. It was most dangerous to medical personnel. In fact, one of the top experts was infected while treating patients and it was considered a big deal. If an expert following top protocols to the letter could get infected then there was cause for worry.