Posted on 04/27/2003 9:59:27 AM PDT by Dog Gone
ROME, April 27 (Reuters) - Italy's health minister warned China on Sunday it must crack down on SARS, the virus that has killed more than 300 people worldwide, and called for an urgent meeting with his European counterparts.
Italian health officials say there are four probable SARS cases in the country, with another two people being monitored.
Girolamo Sirchia said China, which has been accused of initially covering up the scale of the disease, must take all necessary measures or face the consequences.
"We would be obliged to take drastic precautions, like reducing the number of flights," the minister said.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which has infected thousands worldwide, started in southern China but has reached more than 20 countries. It spreads via coughs and sneezes, has no known cure and a mortality rate thought to be about six percent.
"We need to discuss how to control the borders," Sirchia told reporters, announcing he had asked his EU counterparts for a meeting.
A Chinese woman was taken to hospital on Saturday with suspected SARS symptoms after she flew to Rome from Shanghai via Frankfurt.
A ministry spokesman told Reuters it was difficult to identify at-risk passengers if they were changing planes within the EU and so member countries should talk about common checks.
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