[EternalHope]

Good point. As I recall, China also has a few regions where "river washing" is common.

Unless mankind has lots of people who are naturally immune (not likely with a brand new disease), or SARS dies out naturally (no sign of this so far), then China is in for a very rough ride.

I don't see how it can be contained to just China, either.

[_Jim]

I don't see how it can be contained to just China, either.

Judging from the *low* rates of infection here - I'd say the truly civilized, industrialized cities where sanitary practices actually exist stand a far better chance.

Reading the history of a cholera epidemic starting in New York in about 1832/1833 (as originally brought over from the Europe) gives some insight ...