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Test for Mystery Illness Being Developed

By EMMA ROSS, AP Medical Writer

GENEVA - Scientists may have a test for diagnosing the mysterious flu-like illness that has sickened hundreds in Asia, and authorities said they could have it available to key laboratories within a few days if it is proved to be reliable.

The World Health Organization (news - web sites) said Friday that the test requires further experimentation; but if successful, it would be an important tool for slowing the disease's global spread.

"We're all very pleased. It is crucial and it's another step on the way, but there's a lot that still has to be done," said Dr. David Heymann, WHO's communicable diseases chief.

A diagnostic test would make it possible for doctors to quickly isolate patients with the new disease, called severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. It has sickened more than 350 people around the world and killed 10 people in the past three weeks, according to WHO figures.

In the United States, authorities believe 22 people have fallen ill with SARS, said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention