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Thanks. So its good news that they have a lead and bad news if the lead is correct ? Am I safe in assuming that measles, mumps etc don't react to antibiotics, such treatment is probaly a waste of time, a vacination will take some time and until then those who get are are more or less out of luck ?

Is it possible this pathogen was created ?

So its good news that they have a lead and bad news if the lead is correct?

Dunno, assuming they are right knowing what it is early on does help. No cure/vaccine now, but a place to start.

Am I safe in assuming that measles, mumps etc don't react to antibiotics, such treatment is probaly a waste of time, a vacination will take some time and until then those who get are are more or less out of luck?

Yes. Don't get it!

Is it possible this pathogen was created ?

In today's world, always. But I *think* natural.

Thanks for the picg. Let me see if I can help translate. Paramyxovirus is one of a bout a billion respiratory viruses. RSV which has been alluded to in this thredad is a disease that everyone eventually has in childhood. The danger is for premies or immunocompromised kids that it may cause respiratory distress. Respiratory distress syndrome, or Acute respiratory distress syndrome, or severe respiratory distress syndrome is more of a clionical diagnosis. UIt occurs when the lungs have changes in them that allow fluid to build on them -- or more technically in the lung tissue itself. The virus may cause this by either directly attacking the small vessels in the lungs causing fluid to flow out of the vessels an into the tissue (capillary leak syndrome) or my cause such a massive inflammatory response in the body that it causes all the vessels to leak -- and the result is the same -- namely fluids in the tissues (interstitial fluid for those of you wanting the technical jargon).

OK, so once the fluids hit the lungs, instead of being easily inflated and deflated, they get stiff, and it is hard to breath. Ultimately, mechanically ventilation is required, but because the lungs are so stiff, the volume of gas taken in is disproportionate to the pressure required to drive it in (the fundamentals of positive pressure -- mechanical -- venilation vs normal, negative pressure breathing).

If the body can be supported through the crises, and the syndrome resolves, I see not reason that there would be lasting sequalae. In fact, I heard that over 150 cases, only a couple have resorted to death. I suppose that this will be like any bad influenza (also a respiratory virsus) where the not so strong bodies will not do well...but time will tell.

We have had some recent experience with this subfamily of virus.

Hendra and Nipah are recent culprits in small outbreaks.

They are so new that they have been given their own genus (Henipavirus).

Hendra and Nipah are both zoonotic meaning they can transmit from animals to man - horses, pigs, bats etc. - Remember this is all very new stuff.

And it might well be that a mutant of the Paramyxoviridae family has broken out in South China spread to Hong Kong and is doing a bit of traveling..

Here is the correct classification of these bugs (as it stands now) Henipavirus becomes the fourth genus within the Paramyxovirinae subfamily of the Paramyxoviridae family. The other genera within the subfamily are Rubulavirus, Morbillivirus and Respirovirus.

Morbillivirus is measles

Rubulavirus is mumps