Concern about the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome continues to grow in Illinois, with the first report of a possible secondary transmission of the illness.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported Friday two people suspected of contracting SARS in Asia may have transmitted it to five others they lived with. The IDPH was quick to mention all 22 cases reported in Illinois are suspected cases and have not been confirmed through laboratory tests.

The illness has been blamed for 32 deaths in Hong Kong, but no deaths have been linked to it in the United States, though 166 cases are suspected.

Health officials concerned about public fears were quick to mention the secondary transmissions in these cases involved people in close contact with someone who had traveled to Asia, and the illness poses little risk to the public.

Public fear has caused disruption in Toronto, Canada, where Chinese-owned and operated businesses have seen sales plummet. Other areas also face financial difficulties associated with the illness, but none hurt more than the epicenter of the outbreak in Asia.

Financially, the illness hasn’t been linked to any problems, and business owners in DeKalb haven’t had any problems associated with the illness. Local Chinese restaurant owners and managers said they haven’t seen any impact on business at all.

Karen Grush, DeKalb County Health Department public health administrator, said the organization has notified area hospital emergency rooms and physicians’ offices of the illness and given specific case information about what to look for in a suspected case.

Indications emergency personnel look for include a temperature above 100.5 degrees, clinical findings of respiratory problems and travel within 10 days to an area with documented cases. People who have had close contact with someone who has traveled to an area where SARS has been reported also are examined if they show symptoms.

“The largest problem is these are very normal symptoms that can be found with anyone who may have a cold or influenza,” Grush said.

Grush added there is no specific treatment for SARS, and health workers are told simply to treat the symptoms and limit exposure. Hospitals will isolate suspected cases to avoid further spread of the illness.