A fitter aviation industry takes shape under harsh economic pressure Jul 13, 2008
"Previous crises like SARS or Sept. 11 were shocks," Giovanni Bisignani, the director general of the International Air Transport Association, said in an interview, referring to the impact of the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Asia in 2003 and the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. "Something happened, and the industry had to recover. The fuel crisis, however, has brought lasting change of unprecedented dimensions.". (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Limiting spread of flu virus critical Jul 6, 2008
China is where Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was discovered and 30 cases of H5N1 have been reported since 2003. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued warnings and recommendations for travelers and athletes heading to Beijing for the Olympics. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Air Canada prepared for fuel crisis Jul 2, 2008
"Air Canada was the only airline on the planet that both had its airspace shut down after 9/11 and had SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) at home," Milton said. "This (fuel crisis) is a truly global issue. I think you're going to see a lot of airlines disappear. I think that good, strong, well-managed airlines like Air Canada will actually come out of this even better off.". (Toronto Star)
The lost colonies Jul 1, 2008
For example, there is a model that was used in 2003 to figure out whether severe acute respiratory syndrome could be brought under control. Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at Harvard's School of Public Health, used a statistical method to determine the "reproductive ratio," the expected number of people the average sick person would infect. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Oil costs will kill bargain airlines, Milton warns Jul 1, 2008
While acknowledging the challenges ahead for Air Canada, Mr. Milton said the airline has survived tough times in the past, overcoming the double-whammy of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 in Asia and Toronto. SARS "was the real crisis" at Air Canada because "nobody would go to Toronto, and nobody wanted to come to Canada," said Mr. Milton, recalling how air traffic fell between Asia and Canada - punishing... (Globe and Mail)
From China, stories of crisis and hope Jun 27, 2008
In 2003, Chinese authorities were forced to reach out to the international medical community to deal with an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Such contact led to a broad effort to identify and treat China's estimated 830,000 people with AIDS, as well as to launch a prevention campaign. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Qantas CEO sees fuel costs 'almost out of control' Jun 25, 2008
He said the fuel crisis was the biggest challenge to the airline industry in up to 40 years more serious than the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist hijackings and the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS because it will be longer lasting. Qantas canceled 34 domestic flights because of escalating strikes in four cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth by its engineers union, the company said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Real bio-defense research not Hollywood Jun 21, 2008
She has researched Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and smallpox, and helped develop possible treatments for SARS and Ebola. The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Hensley's employer, is responsible for protecting soldiers but works closely with civilian agencies that guard against epidemics. (AZCentral -- Business)
Hong Kong begins bird cull as H5N1 spreads Jun 11, 2008
Fears of the spread of infectious disease have run high since 2003, when an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) hit the city of 7 million. It was not the first appearance of bird flu in the territory. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Planes don't spread disease Jun 11, 2008
The bureau noted that the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and recent outbreaks of bird flu in Asia had increased concerns about the risks of air travel. Cases occurred relatively infrequently. (iAfrica.com)
Still no cure or explanation for those summertime blues Jun 10, 2008
And the suicide rate is decreasing in places like Hong Kong since reaching a peak of 1,200 in 2003 at the time of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. Last year, it stood at just under 1,000 people or 13. (Sify.com, India)
Fear of flying infections exaggerated, study finds Jun 10, 2008
The bureau noted that the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and recent outbreaks of bird flu in Asia had increased concerns about the risks of air travel. Infectious diseases reported to have been transmitted on board an aircraft include influenza, tuberculosis and SARS, it said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Chinese leaders shift focus Jun 7, 2008
This is despite the fact that after the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic (SARS) in early 2003, the Hu-Wen team has prided itself on having set up a 24-hour, computerized, nationwide advance-warning network to detect early signs of troubles ranging from peasant riots and quasi-terrorist plots to typhoons and flooding. Within hours of the earthquake catastrophe, forums and chat rooms on several popular websites were replete with stories about "predictions" of the tremors having been made... (Asia Times Online)
Hawaii hotel rates hit 5-year low for April Jun 3, 2008
6 percent, also the lowest since April and May 2003, when the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic was spreading in Asia. Fewer hotel guests in Hawaii resulted in a decline of 1. (Pacific Business News, HI)
'It's definitely worse than after 9/11' Jun 2, 2008
It tied May and June 2003, when the scare over severe acute respiratory syndrome depressed worldwide travel, especially from Asia. This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.. (Pacific Business News, HI)
From the ruins, China begins to rebuild Jun 2, 2008
As recently as 2003, Chinese officials drew widespread condemnation for covering up the extent of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in China. In a commentary last week, Xinhua said, "It was SARS that made the Chinese authorities aware of the importance of protecting the public's right to know and the dangers and risks of a possible government coverup.". (USA Today)
April numbers show Hawaii tourism took significant hit May 30, 2008
It tied May and June 2003, when the scare over severe acute respiratory syndrome depressed worldwide travel, especially from Asia. Tourism officials are quick to point out that at least the visitors who did come in April were spending slightly more money: total expenditures were $881 million, up 0. (Pacific Business News, HI)
So, what did we learn from SARS? May 30, 2008
The term SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, surfaced a few days later after hospital staff and other patients started to fall sick. Causing fear, panic and economic losses, every step of dealing with the outbreak was a learning experience for the country. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
What Your Cell Phone Knows About You May 27, 2008
Take something like SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It took two weeks for the government to realize that an apartment building was a breeding ground for the disease. (Forbes -- Technology)
Fighting bird flu May 21, 2008
Peiris is the virologist who discovered the aetiological agent that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and has been involved with avian flu research. He is based in Hong Kong, but was in Kuala Lumpur recently to receive the Mahathir Science Award 2007, Malaysias most prestigious science award named in honour of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Earthquake Candor Contrasts With China's Media Clampdown on Tibet Protests May 14, 2008
China in 2003 drew international criticism for delays in reporting cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. The disease infected more than 8,000 people between 2002 and 2003, killing almost 800 worldwide. China's response is also far more effective than in Myanmar, where the military junta is still hampering international aid efforts almost two weeks after a cyclone killed as many as 100,000 people, according to United Nations estimates. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Beijing Game For Clean Air Challenge May 14, 2008
20, 2003) A new study led by researchers at the UCLA School of Public Health associates air pollution with an increased risk of dying from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Study in contrastsBurma and China are worlds apart on their disaster response May 14, 2008
Its slow and secretive handling of the outbreak of Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003 led to accusations of a cover up, even though it claimed it was trying to avoid a mass panic about a medical outbreak. In 2005 when an explosion at a petrochemical factory contaminated a river supplying the northern city of Harbin, the Chinese authorities were severely criticised for failing to own up to the disaster quickly enough. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Germs on a plane not so scary after all May 13, 2008
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian flu have sickened thousands and reaped headlines in recent years spiking fears that these and other could spread quickly in the enclosed environment of airplanes, where passengers and crew are packed closely together. Fears of lethal bacteria also went skyward a few years ago, when the Environmental Protection Agency found that some water used to make coffee and tea on commercial airliners was contaminated. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Face Masks Analyzed As Aid in Flu Pandemic May 13, 2008
What little is known about masks and respiratory infections comes from research on tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), two infections that influenza may not mimic. Many companies are now stockpiling masks and gloves. (Yahoo News -- Influenza)
SARS spurs China to act on AIDS May 13, 2008
SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, first emerged in China's Guangdong province in November 2002. But the country only publicly admitted the outbreak in February 2003, when there had already been 305 infections and 5 deaths. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
No infectious outbreak on Canadian train May 11, 2008
Early reports of the death and of emergency workers in hazardous materials suits swarming the train had brought back grim memories of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Toronto, which killed dozens and put the medical community on edge. Williams said one woman -- reported to be in her 60s -- had died suddenly aboard the VIA Rail train, while another had displayed shortness of breath, most likely due to a pre-existing medical condition. (Reuters UK)
Tests show no disease outbreak on Canadian train May 11, 2008
Early reports of the death and scenes of emergency workers in hazardous material suits swarming the train brought back grim memories of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Toronto, which killed dozens. Some of the group of five passengers were ill before they boarded on May 7 in Jasper, Alberta, and lab results showed four of them tested positive for seasonal flu, officials said. (Scientific American)
New disease outbreaks in China; 15K children infected May 10, 2008
Government attempts to conceal the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome a new disease at the time contributed to its spread, ultimately causing 774 deaths worldwide and forcing Beijing to apologize amid international criticism. 1. (ABC News)
Climate Change and Tourisms Winners and Losers May 10, 2008
In addition, tourism has been put under pressure by the lung disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the war in the Middle East and years of rising energy prices, which have affected air travel in particular. In addition to these external shocks, the industry has also been marked by changes on both the supply and demand sides. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Canadian authorities say no infectious disease outbreak on quarantined train May 10, 2008
SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome killed several hundred people in 2003 and caused widespread panic, damaging the economies of Canada and the other countries affected. Officials have said such cases have driven home to countries the importance of addressing disease outbreaks in a rapid way at the source, so that it does not spread. (International Herald Tribune)
Quarantine scare in Canada May 10, 2008
He pointed out that panic and fear in 2003 overwhelmed Ontario's capital Toronto, also the nation's largest city and economic hub, after some 400 cases of the often deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) were reported. Related emergency healthcare costs, lost tourism revenues and other economic fallout in Toronto topped one billion dollars. (iAfrica.com)
Will China Again Bar Taiwan From World Health? May 8, 2008
Why, then, was the government of Taiwan not promptly informed by the WHO on how to properly treat and contain Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and forced to fend for itself during the international SARS outbreak in 2003. Why was it not notified in 2007 when the WHO confirmed that Taiwan may have received shipments of baby corn from Thailand contaminated with Shigella sonn the bacterium that causes dysentery. (Human Events Online)
China Cracks Down On Kid-Killing Virus May 8, 2008
Government attempts to conceal the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome - a new disease at the time - contributed to its spread, ultimately causing 774 deaths worldwide and forcing Beijing to apologize amid international criticism. Both Mao and WHO China representative Hans Troedsson said they expected more cases of hand, foot and mouth to emerge because of the tighter reporting requirements and because the disease will likely peak with warmer weather in June and July. (CBS News -- World)
Ottawa, provinces need to start sharing health information: Clement May 8, 2008
In 2003, the Greater Toronto Area suffered from an outbreak of SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - which claimed the lives of more than 40 people. "One of the issues with SARS was you didn't have the right people talking to each other, you didn't have enough sharing of information," said Laurel Ostfield, spokeswoman for Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman. (Canada.com)
China orders all communities to be prepared for deadly virus ... May 7, 2008
Government attempts to conceal the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome a new disease at the time contributed to its spread, ultimately causing 774 deaths worldwide and forcing Beijing to apologize amid international criticism. The hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak is the latest headache for authorities as they gear up for this summer's Beijing Olympics. (International Herald Tribune)
Doctar says deadly China child virus not another SARS May 7, 2008
China initially covered up the outbreak of SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003, which led to the sacking of the health minister and Beijing's mayor. Hand, foot and mouth disease is also making the rounds of other parts of Asia, with Singapore reporting a 75 percent surge in hand, food and mouth cases to 10,490 this year compared with last year, while Vietnam's health ministry said the country had about 3,000 cases in the first four months of the year, more than the total number of... (International Herald Tribune)
China virus toll continues to rise May 6, 2008
The question of reporting infectious diseases is sensitive in China, following widespread criticism of the handling of the Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in 2003. But on Sunday the World Health Organization's representative in Beijing, Hans Troedsson, defended the authorities. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
WHO: Deadly child virus in China no threat to Olympics... May 5, 2008
Suspicion continues to surround the Chinese government's handling of disease outbreaks following allegations of a cover-up during the 2003 emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which originated in southern China and eventually killed nearly 800 people worldwide. As of early Saturday, 3,736 cases of EV-71 were reported in Fuyang's rural outskirts, health officials said. (The Drudge Report)
DNA Jigsaw Puzzle May 5, 2008
27, 2003) As health agencies around the world race to pinpoint the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), researchers are reporting success in developing a new theoretical model that shows how the. . (Science Daily)
Enterovirus In China: Latest Outbreak Of Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Hits Mainly Children, Kills 20 May 5, 2008
3, 2003) A WHO team of experts is headed for Guangdong to gather more evidence about the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in China. And, WHO now recommends that people consider postponing. (Science Daily)
WHO: Virus Won't Threaten Olympics May 5, 2008
Suspicion continues to surround the Chinese government's handling of disease outbreaks following allegations of a cover-up during the 2003 emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which originated in southern China and eventually killed nearly 800 people worldwide. Hand, foot and mouth viruses cause fever, mouth sores and rashes with blisters and are easily spread by sneezing or coughing. (Time.com)
China orders heightened efforts to stop deadly virus May 4, 2008
Memories are still fresh from the 2003 epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in which China's reputation suffered from charges of a government coverup. In this latest case, parents in Fuyang have accused local health officials of lying about the disease. (Boston Globe)
Deadly virus hits China's children May 3, 2008
In 2002 Chinese officials were accused of dragging their feet in reporting the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The virus spread around the world killing more than 500, although most of the deaths were in mainland China and Hong Kong. (Aljazeera.Net)
Moving markets and mountains May 2, 2008
In early 2003, he was named mayor of Beijing municipality when the capital was hit by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Wang replace Meng Xuenong, who was sacked for his role in attempting to cover up the epidemic. (Asia Times Online)
China virus 'hits 3,000 children' May 2, 2008
The question of reporting infectious diseases is especially sensitive in China, following widespread criticism of the handling of the Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in 2003. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Indian origin doctor gets the top honour of Ontario (Canada) Apr 13, 2008
She has been selected for the top honour due to her incredible participation to raise the health condition of the province and especially to manage epidemic of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which had outbreak in 2003 in Canada and US.. She was then Chief Medical Officer of Health there and she had served from 2004 to 2006 before being diagnosed with vascular tumour disease, a type of cancer. (Newstrack India)
Indian-origin doctor gets Ontario's highest civilian award Apr 12, 2008
Sheela Basrur, the Indian-origin doctor who led the fight against the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Toronto, was on Thursday given the Order of Ontario, the highest civilian award in Canada's most important province. Basrur was earlier the chief medical officer of health of Ontario and assistant deputy minister for health. (Hindustan Times)
Tibetan vocabulary grows as new terms find place in old tongue Apr 2, 2008
The list also includes "stock" (gengzi), "securities" (guinzi),"civil servant" (jishabpa), "severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)" (miseiluocei) and a number of other words that are new to the Tibetan people, as the remote plateau region catches up to the pace of rapid development elsewhere. "It's not easy for translators to express the new words accurately in Tibetan and let the local people understand and accept them," said Cering Toinzhub, of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Compilation and... (Xinhuanet, China)
Chips could speed up detection of livestock viruses Mar 31, 2008
The last major SARS outbreak severe acute respiratory syndrome which started on the border of China and Hong Kong was identified using a microarray chip. Fortunately, because of the rapid identification of the virus it was brought under control, and in spite of its seriousness caused relatively few deaths, says Dr Paul Britton of the Institute for Animal Health in Compton, near Newbury, Berkshire. (EurekAlert!)
Talking with Jack Faris Mar 27, 2008
ON THAT SPIRIT: I'm in awe of all the people working tirelessly here to cure the most severe afflictions of human kind, from cancer and diabetes to river blindness, avian flu, even SARS-like (severe acute respiratory syndrome) diseases. It's happening right here. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Canadians spending more for tourism Mar 27, 2008
It was also the 18th straight quarterly increase in tourism demand since the second quarter of 2003, when tourism was hit hard by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Tourism spending reached $70. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Byron's picture-postcard castle gets a makeover Mar 20, 2008
With around three-quarters of visitors from overseas, events such as the September 11 attacks and the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) pandemic had a massive impact on visitor numbers. Between 1990 and 2003, the annual record of 350,000 visitors fell by 100,000. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Strait talk boosts Taiwan stocks Mar 19, 2008
"At present, stocks listed on the Taiwan stock market trade at a P/E ratio of 11, in contrast to a P/E of more than 30 in Chinas A-share market, even after a decline in values of more than 30% from their peak in October, and 14 in Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng Index has tumbled more than a quarter since October 30,'' Tam said. Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), the only Hong Kong-incorporated bank allowed to invest in Taiwan stocks, said the number of new stock accounts opened so far this year is... (Asia Times Online)
* WHO will help: British scientist Mar 19, 2008
"I was here in Taiwan during the severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS] outbreak at the request of the WHO," Sir Roy Malcolm Anderson said at a press conference held on the opening day of the first UK-Taiwan International Networking for Young Scientists Symposium on Infection and Immunity. "Although you may not be a member, the director-general of WHO at that time and director now, of course, will help any country ... there is absolutely no doubt about that, " Anderson said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
5 years after SARS, Hong Kong chooses caution, closing schools amid flu outbreak Mar 18, 2008
A mysterious virus was killing people, but Chow's predecessor, Dr. Yeoh Eng-kiong, downplayed fears and was slow in responding to the threat that would eventually be named severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.. The virus infected 1,755 people in Hong Kong, killing 299 of the nearly 800 that succumbed worldwide. (International Herald Tribune)
Change and continuity Mar 18, 2008
She made a name for herself with her role in trade negotiations with the United States and other major Western nations, in the fight against SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), and more recently, the regulation of the problematic food and drug markets. We will cherish fond memories of her achievements in those fields. (Xinhuanet, China)
Surprising discovery from first large-scale analysis of biodiversity and biogeography of viruses Mar 18, 2008
We have been interested in this kind of analysis since the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in 2002, added Dr Ruan. In pursuit of this interest, we established a virus discovery programme at GIS, resulting in the discovery of abundant viruses in the human gut (PLoS Biology, 2006) and different variants of dengue viruses. (EurekAlert!)
Blood vessel protein reverses macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy in mice Mar 17, 2008
Serious infections such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), for example, kill people when an infection destabilizes blood vessels, allowing fluids to leak into the lungs. Tumors hijack blood vessel growth to feed on nutrients and grow. (EurekAlert!)
Flu fears demand Schools in China to be closed Mar 16, 2008
by - March 16, 2008 - 0 comments. The Hong Kong government ordered all elementary schools and preschools to be closed, a week before Easter Holidays as a preventive measure against the deadly flu outbreak that has hit the region. (The Money Times)
Hong Kong closes schools amid flu outbreak Mar 15, 2008
Yuen was one of the scientists who studied SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, when it killed 299 people here after surfacing in southern China in November 2002. WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said the first child who died tested negative for all types of influenza viruses. (MSNBC -- International)
HK schools close amid flu fears Mar 15, 2008
But health officials played down fears of a return of the Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus. World Health Organisation spokesman Peter Cordingley said it appeared to be "regular seasonal flu", the Associated Press news agency said. (BBC News -- Health)
AirAsia wants to be synonymous with travel Mar 15, 2008
Not long after that, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak also shook up the aviation sector. Tune Airs strategy was tactical. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
China says no unusual flu pattern near Hong Kong Mar 15, 2008
The government ordered the two-week closure starting Thursday the first such public health measure since the outbreak more than five years ago of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.. SARS surfaced in southern China in November 2002 before spreading to Hong Kong, where it killed 299 people and sparked a major public panic. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Where once brute force ruled, lighter touch displayed in China handling of Tibet protests Mar 15, 2008
Other national crises, including the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, spurred spending on equipment from emergency response medical units to riot gear. In volatile minority areas, authorities try to prevent unrest through heavy government investment and subsidies for agriculture, education and other social services. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
