Epidemiological investigations suggest that SARS probably emerged independently in several of Guangzhou’s satellite cities, circulating for at least two months before causing the outbreak in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. The first wave was marked by the cases circulating around in Guangzhou’s satellite cities. The index case of SARS that fit the WHO definition was reported in Foshan on November 16, 2002. The second case was identified in a chef who reported having atypical pneumonia. This chef had regular contact with different types of live caged animals. He sought medical treatment in Heyuan, and similar cases to the Heyuan outbreak were found in Zhongshan.