Fresh Sars worry hits Hong Kong

The previous outbreak led to mass testing

The previous outbreak led to mass testing Tests on 18 suspected Sars patients in Hong Kong have sparked fears of a re-emergence of the virus. Even though it is likely that the respiratory infections suffered by the patients are caused by influenza, not Sars, it will be days before the official all-clear can be given. Hong Kong is still recovering from an outbreak that killed almost 300 people, and infected more than 1,750. “Influenza peaks in July and August here – these cases could be influenza.” Spokesman, Hong Kong Health Authority Two people are still in intensive care as a result of Sars. Tourism, and commerce in general was hard hit by fears over the virus, and there are concerns that a further rash of cases could do irreparable damage. The 18 patients were all admitted to hospital between Sunday and Thursday night. All but two of them are residents at a mental institution – the other two are a staff member there, and a relative of one of the affected patients. Health officials visited the institution on Friday and carried out extensive testing. All the patients were said to be in a stable condition on Friday. A health department spokesman was keen not to alarm residents. “Influenza peaks in July and August here – these cases could be influenza.” Taiwan all-clear A separate scare was sparked in Taiwan when a 12-year-old girl returning from Shanghai fell ill with Sars-like symptoms. Tests, however, proved negative. So far, more than 800 people have died from Sars worldwide, and 8,000 confirmed cases have been recorded. While the World Health Organisation has lifted travel warnings about the hardest-hit areas, some scientists say that the virus has almost certainly not been eradicated, and there are likely to be further outbreaks from time to time. (Source: BBC, 25 July 2003)