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To: jim black who wrote (31439)	4/13/2003 8:12:55 PM
From: TobagoJack	Respond to of 74559

Hi Jim, <<1) the fear has been whipped by the media out of proportion for ratings and shock effect>> ... I still think that this is true, though the economic damage is very real, although welcoming, counter-acting fiat support of false market, speeding us to true and lasting recovery 5 years from now instead of 10; <<2) the masks people are wearing are unlikely to filter particles as small as an airborne virion>> ... I am counting on staying away from crowds, washing hands, do not rub eyes, exercise, drink plenty of fluid, keep a sunny disposition, eat right ... to keep me healthy. <<4) ... mouse pox grown in the presence of interleukin II produces a strain of mouse pox totally immune to effects of current vaccinations>> ... Ok, you managed to scare me. <<Rather than use a mask of dubious benefit I think I would rather stay at home and enjoy the beach>> I am doing mostly that:0) <<kill roaches like there is no tomorrow>> ... We cook at home about 3 times a month, vacuum thrice weekly, and professionally fumigate thrice per year, and ruthless murder the occasional flying roach that gets in via balcony door. <<Peculiar indeed that children appear resistant ...damned peculiar>> ... now that you pointed this fact out, I guess it is peculiar. There was an earlier case of a 16 year old dying from the disease due to late treatment. I believe that was as young as it got, though I am not sure. Chugs, Jay

To: jim black who wrote (31439)	4/13/2003 9:41:04 PM
From: TobagoJack	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74559

Mutation fears as virus claims healthy victims Monday, April 14, 2003 scmp.com PATSY MOY and AGENCIES Another five people died from severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in Hong Kong yesterday - the highest daily death toll yet. With four of the five aged 52 or under and with no history of illness, fears are growing that the virus is becoming more deadly. Two of the three patients who died on Saturday were under 40, although doctors said they had been diagnosed late. But infectious disease experts last night said it was too early to conclude Sars had mutated and was now killing young and healthy people instead of the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The only one of the five deaths yesterday to fit that pattern was that of a woman, aged 66, with chronic diseases. The others were aged 52, 45, 41 and 40 and were otherwise healthy. Their deaths took the number of people killed by Sars in Hong Kong to 40. In addition, another 42 infections were confirmed by 1 pm yesterday, including nine medical staff and five residents of Amoy Gardens - taking the number of Sars patients to 1,150. Eight more patients were discharged yesterday, meaning 223 have now recovered. Liu Shao-haei, a senior executive of the Hospital Authority, said the conditions of the five who died had fluctuated, before finally deteriorated sharply. "In general, most patients do respond to existing treatments such as Ribavirin and steroids. However, a minority of patients do not," said Dr Liu. He said the possibility of using more other treatments was being explored. Microbiology professor Yuen Kwok-yung of the University of Hong Kong said although he would not rule out Sars might have mutated into a more virulent killer, it was still too early to jump to any conclusion. "Although the recent fatalities were mostly younger and healthier people, we still should not assume this is the latest pattern simply based on a few cases. We should also take into account when those patients first sought treatment. If they were admitted to hospital at a very late stage, they might die even they were very young," Professor Yuen said. His views were shared by his colleague Malik Peiris, who said: "We cannot jump into the conclusion [that the virus has mutated or the treatment has become less effective] based on one-day figures." Officials from the Department of Health and the Economic Development and Labour Bureau, and Airport Authority representatives met airlines to discuss implementing temperature checks for all departing air passengers yesterday. They tentatively agreed the Auxiliary Medical Services will be responsible for carrying out the checks with the assistance of airline staff. Checks are expected to begin in a few days' time. In Canada, scientists said they had broken the genetic code of the virus suspected of causing Sars - the first step towards developing a diagnostic test. Dr Yuen, of Hong Kong University, said knowing the genetic code of the virus would help scientists develop a "more sensitive" diagnostic test, potentially allowing earlier treatment. Marco Marra, director of the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre in Canada, said : "The [new information] will tell us if Sars resembles other viral genomes and gives us hints about the biology of the virus. "We anticipate there will be additional outbreaks. It's important for us to learn the lessons from this experience to prepare ourselves for the future." The genetic sequence was posted on the Internet (www.bcgsc.bc.ca) for use by other scientists around the world.