Update on SARS

From Reuters Health: World Health Organization (WHO) officials reported that a new coronavirus could be passed between humans, but only after prolonged contact. It has killed at least 18 people in the Middle East and Europe. A virus from the same family killed 775 people in 2003, the year of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). On Sunday a second man who had been diagnosed with the disease after sharing a hospital room with France’s only other sufferer was reported by French authorities. WHO Assistant Director-General Keiji Fukuda informed reporters in Saudi Arabia, the largest site of infections, there was no evidence so far the virus was able to maintain “generalized transmission in communities” – a scenario that would suggest a pandemic. But Mr. Fukuda added: “Of most concern … is the fact that the different clusters seen in multiple