The Mystery of SARS

MSNBC/Newsweek ^ | 5/5/03 Issue of Newsweek | By Claudia Kalb

[stlnative]

The Mystery of SARS As this strange new virus continues its spree, killing hundreds and infecting thousands more, scientists are working overtime, trying to keep people from harm

By Claudia Kalb
NEWSWEEK

May 5 issue — Toronto was a city on edge last week. People walked the streets as they always do, families went out to dinner and the Blue Jays game on Friday night drew thousands. But nobody was happy. The World Health Organization had declared the Canadian city — known for its pristine parks and friendly residents — a hazard to public health, advising tourists not to visit after several SARS cases in other countries, including the Philippines, were linked to Toronto. In a furious attempt to reclaim the city’s reputation, Mayor Mel Lastman praised Canadian health efforts and lashed out at the WHO. “Let me be clear,” he told reporters. “It’s safe to come to Toronto.” But the alert had set off global alarms. A Toronto girls’ soccer team, on its way to Pennsylvania for a much-anticipated exhibition match, was told it was no longer welcome. Player Katie Nizio, 16, had hoped to show off her skills and win a scholarship to college. “It was my one big chance,” she says. “I was literally crushed.”

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[stlnative]

FYI

[stlnative]

Halfway around the world in Hong Kong, doctors were reporting patients who tested positive for SARS—but had none of the classic symptoms.

[Consort]

Another SARS thread.

[Filibuster_60]

Scary stuff. Apparently there's a possibility of a growing carrier population.

[Future Useless Eater]

SARS Mortality Rates Based on World Health Organization data                 (Revised: 4/29am)
Area	Recoveries to date	Deaths to date	Recent** Death Rate		Active Cases still in Danger	Projected Future Deaths	Projected Final Mortality
Hong Kong	710	138	13.8%		709	98	15.2%
Singapore	137	23	11.7%		39	5	13.9%
China	1299	131	28.7%		1484	425	19.1%
Canada	77	18	20.7%		47	10	19.5%
World-wide	2239	293	18.5%		2304	426	14.9%
**  ( Deaths in the last 7 days) / ( Deaths + Recoveries in the last 7 days)

Trend - Active Cases Still in Danger
Date	Hong Kong	Singapore	China	Canada	World-wide
Apr 19	914	61	307	66	1616
Apr 20	893	64	497	66	1694
Apr 21 (est.)	872	66	686	66	1771
Apr 22	874	60	708	61	1783
Apr 23	831	58	968	58	2005
Apr 24	812	55	1058	58	2059
Apr 25	781	50	1209	51	2169
Apr 26	774	51	1346	47	2304
Apr 27 (est.)	738	45	1411	47	2336
Apr 28	709	39	1454	47	2387
(includes new daily cases... excludes cases resolved by death or recovery)

• China resolved 53 cases this weekend... 74% by DEATH.
• China picked up over 3 TIMES as many new cases... 161.
• China's recent death rate is skyrocketing
  • Their life support ICU's must be overwhelmed
  • That, plus China may be reporting ONLY their CRITICAL cases.

[Dec31,1999]

I wish we had cameras in China so we could see what is happening there withregard to the SARS epidemic.

Perhaps we could send in the CNN team? ;)

[Terridan]

It was CNN who reported weeks ago, on t.v., that a physician was working with this virus and it "got out". A poor weaponized type virus, but weaponized just the same??? They (China) kept quiet about it, but when it infected the Dr. and his staff, it leaked out. Who knows? Medical care in the United States is great, and why we haven't suffered as many casualties. CNN didn't use the term "weaponized" but what else could it be?

[tallhappy]

I wish Canada had the guts to stand up to the UN on other ocassions.

Why is the UN their authority when it comes to Iraq and the like, but if the UN says Toronto is dangerous suddenly the UN is not the authority.

This is another UN type power grab and it is ludicrous to make a pronouncement like this about Toronto.

But Canada doesn't have much moral authority to complain after how they followed the UN's lead with regard to Iraq.