When we talk about the hottest topic in the news today, we can′t neglect the new disease called SARS, or atypical pneumonia. First breaking out in southern China, it has now become a world-wide issue of great concern.
Since the first case was reported early this year in southern China′s Guangdong Province, SARS has become a word as frightening as AIDS. As more cases are found both in China and abroad, there is still no effective cure. However, given timely precautionary measures and medical research, this new disease is reported by the health officials to have been effectively brought under control in China.
As proclaimed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, China is fully capable of dealing with SARS, and there is no reason for public panic. Unremitting in its efforts and cooperating closely with world organizations including the WHO, the Chinese government and relevant departments have been working hard to control further spread of the disease. They are also facing the challenge of rooting out its cause and working to eradicate this new disease.
Early this year, a new disease snuck into southern China and then burst suddenly like a nightmare into many countries. It only took a few months to create a world panic, partly because people knew so little about it – where it comes from and how to curb it.
First reported in southern China′s Guangdong Province and then neighboring Hongkong, the symptoms of the new disease include high fever, aches, dry cough, and in some cases, breathing difficulty. It is defined as SARS, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Zhang Wenkang, Minister of Health, said: 〝The first case can be traced back to 3 to 4 months ago. However, because this atypical pneumonia is a new disease, with which we were unfamiliar at the early stage, it took some time for us to be aware of the strong infectious nature, which is quite different from typical pneumonia. As an emergency, the central government assigned a group of experts to join forces with their counterparts in Guangdong Province to conduct relevant research of the disease. We′ve developed more knowledge step by step about its pathogenesis, cure and prevention through careful research.〞
After the outbreak of SARS in China, all the hospitals and medical institutions involved were mobilized into cooperative researches on the potentially fatal disease. In Zhongshan University in Guangdong Province, hundreds of specimens of blood, lung fluid and other materials were extracted from SARS victims and those who recovered for comparison in order to find out the viruses or bacteria causing the disease.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao along with some top government officials recently visited the disease prevention and control center in Beijing for a close watch and thorough check of its work on SARS. He also held an informal discussion with experts, expressing the great importance that the Chinese government attaches to the handling of the disease as well as his confidence and resolution to contain its further spread. A series of emergency measures were put forward to reinforce the disease monitoring and control.
〝Through diligent efforts of the central and local health departments, the numbers of new SARS cases and consequent deaths are decreasing while the number of recovered patients keeps going up. The situation is under effective control now.〞
A World Health Organization (WHO) team consisting of medical experts made a 6-day visit to China starting last weekend. Informed of the current situation concerning SARS cases in southern Guangdong Province and other places, the team members appreciated the efforts of the Chinese government in containing the spread of the infectious disease.
The WHO team arrived at the disease prevention and control center in Guandong Province last Friday, and then the city of Foshan where the first SARS case was reported. They were informed of the urgent, and effective measures taken by local governments and medical institutions.
In Guangdong province where most of the SARS cases were reported, citizens lead a pretty normal life. Few are seen wearing masks. Many restaurants are filled with people, including whole families. The owner said business is quite good. It seems that no panic has been created after the outbreak of the disease.
〝Life here is as usual. We go out to drink and have parties. Only a few people have been affected in the city of millions of people, said a Guangzhou citizen.〞
As far as the taxi drivers are concerned, sensational news coverage has a negative impact.
A taxi driver in Guangzhou said: 〝I′ve worked all along since cases of the disease were reported. But I haven′t heard of anyone in this trade being infected.〞
Foreign tourist are equally unaffected in their enjoyment of their travels.
Although a few SARS cases and even deaths from it have been reported in Beijing, official reports indicate they are largely the result of people bringing the disease with them into the capital rather than infections having taken place here. A recent press conference announced that further monitoring and precautionary measures have been taken in prevention of the spread of the disease.
Liu Zejun, director of Beijing Disease Prevention and Control Center said: 〝If the symptoms (of SARS) are reported, we′ve prepared a self-contained precautionary plan in order to handle SARS cases. Besides, a careful disease surveillance system has been established and relevant information will be available pretty soon. Quick solutions will be put forward as needed.〞
After a long chilly winter, people are able to enjoy the lively spring and various outdoor activities. But don′t neglect necessary preventive measures suggested by experts including timely cleaning of exposed skin and rapid resort to doctors if any SARS symptom appear.
Worldwide so far, SARS has killed more than 100 people and 2300 in more than a dozen countries. The WHO experts say they have got all necessary data and information about SARS and believed they will achieve great progress in their research over the next few weeks or months.
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