The outbreak of a mysterious respiratory disease has set off alarms worldwide. Hundreds of individuals have been affected by the malady, which can result, if untreated, in death. Its rapid spread has reignited concern about the dangers of bioterrorist attacks. Although there is no evidence to suggest that this is anything other than a naturally occurring disease, this is a sobering reminder of our vulnerability to such pathogens and the necessity of international cooperation to protect us from them.
International concern about the disease, which is thought to be a form of pneumonia, was triggered a few weeks ago when the first cases were identified. As of last weekend, the World Health Organization, or WHO, had received reports of 350 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. The organization attributes 10 deaths to the illness since Feb. 1, with cases reported in Asia, Europe and North America.
China has reported 305 cases, including five deaths in Guangdong Province from November to Feb. 1. Apart from China, the bulk of the incidents have occurred in Hong Kong. More than 200 people in the Special Administrative Region have been reported as infected with the disease, and six have died. The rising number of health-care workers showing signs of the disease has intensified concern.