Careless scientist catches SARS

A Taiwanese scientist who tested positive for SARS today failed to follow safety guidelines and wear protective gloves and a gown while studying the virus, a World Health Organisation Official said.

The 44-year-old scientist said he suspected that 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.

“This person told the authorities that he worked in the laboratory and observed that there was some spilt liquid attached to the outside surface of the test tube,” Omi said.

“So this is most likely how the contaminated liquid infected this scientist,” Omi said.

The WHO official also said the scientist did not wear protective gear, like gloves and a gown.

“What we hope is that all the researchers involved in this kind of work will comply with this recommendation guideline we have already given to them,” Omi said.

“He was in a hurry to get ready for a Singapore conference, and was careless,” said Su Ih-jen of Taiwan’s Centre for Disease Control.

Officials played down the risk of the disease spreading to others.