Careless lab researcher sparks new Asian SARS alert

TAIWAN health authorities said a military medical researcher had contracted SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), sparking alerts across Asia of a possible resurgence of the killer virus.

The scientist, who tested positive for SARS yesterday, failed to follow safety guidelines and wear protective clothing while studying the virus, a World Health Organisation official said.

The 44-year-old scientist suspected he was infected by some spilled liquid in his laboratory at Taipei’s National Defence University, said Dr Shigeru Omi, the WHO’s Western Pacific regional director.