WHO hunts for clues in bid to solve virus riddle
In Hong Kong, which now has the largest number of reported daily cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), more children and school staff were diagnosed with the disease and schools remained closed.
The government announced 26 new infections yesterday, bringing the total to 734. One more person died, raising the death toll to 17.
With no medical proof yet of what causes the deadly, flu-like disease, or how it is spread, the WHO has issued a worldwide warning against travel to China’s Guangdong province and neighbouring Hong Kong. More countries also announced new precautions.
Thailand said visitors from high-risk countries would be quarantined for 14 days if anyone on board their aircraft was found with SARS symptoms.
The virus has infected 2,300 people across 18 countries. Nearly 80 people have died. Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation, declared SARS an infectious disease yesterday.
Health Minister Ahmad Sujudi said three people were being treated for suspected SARS.
After being criticised for its silence on the disease, China allowed the WHO visit to Guangdong on Wednesday, but it does not appear to have unrestricted access.
“At the moment, it’s basically up for negotiation,” WHO spokesman Chris Powell said from Guangdong.
Chinese Health Minister Zhang Wenkang declared China safe for travel yesterday, but clarified earlier statements that SARS was under control in China.
“I said it was under effective control. I didn’t say it was stamped out,” he said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
