WHO and Chinese Government Take Extraordinary Steps to Confirm Suspected SARS Case

The World Health Organization and the Chinese government are taking precautionary measures to confirm a suspected case of SARS in a 32-year-old television producer in southern China. The man is recovering well from pneumonia, which may be caused by SARS, in a hospital in Guangzhou. The WHO has sent medical equipment, including test kits, and a laboratory specialist from Australia to assist in the investigation. The goal is to ensure a thorough laboratory work-up to determine whether the case is indeed SARS, as scientists have not developed reliable laboratory methods to detect the disease in its early stages.

Key Takeaways:

• The suspected SARS case is being investigated by the World Health Organization and the Chinese government.
• The case is a 32-year-old television producer in southern China, who is recovering well from pneumonia.
• The investigation has not determined where the man acquired the disease, if he has it, and has found no evidence of transmission to his contacts.
• The WHO has sent medical equipment, including test kits, and a laboratory specialist from Australia to assist in the investigation.
• The laboratory specialist will help interpret and verify the laboratory tests performed so far and assist with further investigations.
• The WHO has also sent specimens from suspected cases and preliminary laboratory tests to independent laboratories for confirmation, as recommended in October.
• The investigation is taking a cautious approach to ensure public health measures are taken as if the case is real and to prevent potential transmission.
• Initial tests show no evidence of antibodies to SARS in the patient's blood.

Statistics:

• Age of the suspected SARS case: 32 years old
• Location of the suspected SARS case: Southern China
• Number of laboratories involved in the investigation: 3 (in Guangdong and Beijing)
• Number of countries involved in the investigation: 2 (China and Australia)
• Date of recurrence of SARS-like illness: October (when WHO recommended sending specimens for confirmation)
• Number of health officials involved in the investigation: Multiple (WHO officials and Chinese health officials)

Sources:

• World Health Organization (no date)
• Interview with Dr. Cathy Roth, W.H.O. official
• Interview with Dr. Klaus Stohr, W.H.O. official
• The New York Times (no date)