WHO says SARS may be more infectious than originally thought
The team from the WHO, which is currently investigating the source of the lung disease SARS in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, says the virus may be transferable without direct physical contact.
The five experts from the UN's World Health Organisation have found at least five people in the province who developed the illness without coming into contact with any other victims. This leads them to conclude that the virus may also be caught from items such as lift buttons or furniture. Water has also been mentioned as a possible source of infection.
More than 60 people in China and Hong Kong have already died from the serious form of pneumonia brought on by SARS. Across the globe, the number of fatalities now exceeds 80. The WHO has repeated its advice not to travel to Guangdong or Hong Kong.
Radio Netherlands 04 April 2003
