Menu
07/05/2003
Researchers say one in five SARS victims could die
A detailed scientific study looking at the SARS virus outbreak in Hong Kong has revealed that the death rate among those contracting the virus may be almost four times higher than was first thought.
Estimates produced by clinical sources put the death rate of SARS sufferers at between 5% and 7%, but a statistical analysis of those admitted to hospital indicates that the numbers of deaths may be as high 20% - one in five.
However, commenting on the article which was published in the Lancet experts point out that the overall figure of those contracting the virus and recovering without hospital treatment is an unknown and unquantifiable number until a full epidemiological population survey is conducted.
As is usual with this type of acute respiratory syndrome, the study found that older people were more at risk. In those over 60 the death rate from SARS was around 43 %, but those under 60 the rate was much lower at 13%.
Yet even this figure is twice the death rate reported by the WHO, who continue to report a death rate from SARS of around 7%.
Health experts have warned that one of the key factors that have exacerbated the spread of the SARS virus is that people are largely asymptomatic for up to five days after contracting the virus. This incubation period means that people carrying the virus are coming into contact with friends, relatives, and work colleagues. Though experts say that the spread patterns of the virus indicate that the apparent risk of contracting the virus is much lower than influenza of the common cold.
As of Tuesday this week, the WHO has reported that there were 6,727 suspected cases of SARS in 31 countries – of whom 2,826 are classed as in recovery. Worst affected countries are China (4,409), Hong Kong (1,646) and Singapore (204).
Globally, 478 people are now known to have died as a result of the disease.
(SP)
Estimates produced by clinical sources put the death rate of SARS sufferers at between 5% and 7%, but a statistical analysis of those admitted to hospital indicates that the numbers of deaths may be as high 20% - one in five.
However, commenting on the article which was published in the Lancet experts point out that the overall figure of those contracting the virus and recovering without hospital treatment is an unknown and unquantifiable number until a full epidemiological population survey is conducted.
As is usual with this type of acute respiratory syndrome, the study found that older people were more at risk. In those over 60 the death rate from SARS was around 43 %, but those under 60 the rate was much lower at 13%.
Yet even this figure is twice the death rate reported by the WHO, who continue to report a death rate from SARS of around 7%.
Health experts have warned that one of the key factors that have exacerbated the spread of the SARS virus is that people are largely asymptomatic for up to five days after contracting the virus. This incubation period means that people carrying the virus are coming into contact with friends, relatives, and work colleagues. Though experts say that the spread patterns of the virus indicate that the apparent risk of contracting the virus is much lower than influenza of the common cold.
As of Tuesday this week, the WHO has reported that there were 6,727 suspected cases of SARS in 31 countries – of whom 2,826 are classed as in recovery. Worst affected countries are China (4,409), Hong Kong (1,646) and Singapore (204).
Globally, 478 people are now known to have died as a result of the disease.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2003
Scientists identify cause of SARS virus
Scientists have identified the cause of the SARS disease as a new pathogen – a member of a viral family never before seen in humans, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed. Over the past three weeks – since it was first identified – the SARS outbreak has spread at an alarming rate with 3,300 cases reported now in 25 countries worldwide.
Scientists identify cause of SARS virus
Scientists have identified the cause of the SARS disease as a new pathogen – a member of a viral family never before seen in humans, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed. Over the past three weeks – since it was first identified – the SARS outbreak has spread at an alarming rate with 3,300 cases reported now in 25 countries worldwide.
15 April 2003
German firm markets Sars virus test
German biotechnology firm Artus has produced a rapid test for the virus believed to be at the cause of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) epidemic. According to Artus the kit can confirm the presence of the virus in under two hours as opposed to traditional antibody tests which take between ten and 14 days.
German firm markets Sars virus test
German biotechnology firm Artus has produced a rapid test for the virus believed to be at the cause of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) epidemic. According to Artus the kit can confirm the presence of the virus in under two hours as opposed to traditional antibody tests which take between ten and 14 days.
15 May 2003
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
UK's first SARS case confirmed
The first case of SARS in the UK has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Following lab tests, the patient has been informed of their result, however no further details are available due to confidentiality reasons.
19 February 2013
First UK Fatality Of New Sars-Like Virus
A man has died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham (QEHB) from a new form of a Sars-like respiratory illness. The patient is the first to die in the UK from the new virus. He was the fourth person and the third in one family to be identified with a respiratory illness caused by a Sars-like coronavirus.
First UK Fatality Of New Sars-Like Virus
A man has died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham (QEHB) from a new form of a Sars-like respiratory illness. The patient is the first to die in the UK from the new virus. He was the fourth person and the third in one family to be identified with a respiratory illness caused by a Sars-like coronavirus.
17 July 2003
Vigilance urged over possible reappearance of Sars virus
Sars could reappear later this year, scientists have warned, as international health protection agencies worldwide debate what measures to take against the return of a virus which has already claimed over 800 lives.
Vigilance urged over possible reappearance of Sars virus
Sars could reappear later this year, scientists have warned, as international health protection agencies worldwide debate what measures to take against the return of a virus which has already claimed over 800 lives.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
