[mrb1960]

Ok all you armchair experts, I wanna know.

Could this be some type of bio-terrorism???

[Destro]

No--it is an outbreak.

[Dog Gone]

Facts you should know

WHAT is atypical pneumonia?

It's a lung infection that is caused by certain organisms like mycoplasma, legionella (Legionnaires' disease) and chlamydia. However, the agent that has caused the recent outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Hongkong has not yet been identified, though the suspicion is that it is a type of virus.

How do I know if I have it?

You may have contracted this new type of atypical pneumonia if you have travelled to Hongkong, Hanoi or Guangdong province in the last two weeks and have come down suddenly with high fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties.

Or if you have come into close contact with those who are infected and have developed similar symptoms. You should seek immediate medical attention.

Who is most susceptible to atypical pneumonia?

People with a history of asthma, heavy smoking, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis as well as those whose immune systems are weakened for any reason, like chemotherapy, Aids, steroids or other drugs and chronic illnesses. The very old and the very young are also more vulnerable.

Is this type of pneumonia infectious?

Yes, it can spread to those in close contact with an infected person. So far, most of the newly infected have been family members, friends and health-care workers who came into close contact with patients.

Is atypical pneumonia dangerous?

Pneumonia is a serious infection that can potentially lead to death in some cases. So far, the Singapore cases are stable and no one has died.

What can I do to prevent myself from catching this?

• Avoid travel to the affected places.

• If you must travel there, avoid crowded places and areas where those infected are being treated.

• If you touch surfaces in crowded areas, such as handles, door knobs and railings, always wash hands first before touching your face.

• Ensure good ventilation if you are in contact with someone who is infected.

• Rest well and drinks lots of water while you are travelling. Taking extra vitamins and other herbal preparations may have some limited effect.

• Wearing a surgical mask will not help much unless you are in direct contact with people affected by the disease.

The answers above were supplied by the Ministry of Health and private physicians and specialists.

[Jim Noble]

We are 50+ years overdue for an outbreak of this type.

And it's starting where it should if it were natural.

I strongly doubt BT, pending further info.

[realpatriot71]

Could this be some type of bio-terrorism???

Yes, but then, any contagious, easily spreadble dz would do. This is more than likely a mutant variety of your usual influenza bug. Most of the flu we get in this country comes from the SE Asia.