# SARS virus identified - no easy cure, but not so infectious

- Author: Joichi Ito
- Date: 2003-03-22T07:51:57Z


You have probably seen this already, but just to close the loop on my March 16 post about this...

The good news is it looks like they figured out what it is. The bad news is that it will probably be years before they have a vaccine or a cure. The good news is it doesn't spread so easily.

I commend the WHO et al. Everyone did a great job coordinating by email, keeping everyone informed without causing a panic. Great execution. I felt more informed than any other such threat in the past. On the other hand, if the bug had gone into a full blown outbreak, there might have been a panic...BBCScientists in Hong Kong have claimed a key breakthrough against a virulent form of pneumonia which is claiming more victims around the world.

The researchers have identified the mystery respiratory illness at the heart of a global health scare as a virus from the paramyxoviridae family, which are responsible for conditions such as mumps and measles.
[...]
"It is rather slow-moving, rather restricted to families and hospitals, not a rip-roaring affair, but still very nasty. 

"There are no anti-viral drugs against this family of viruses, and there are no vaccines available. It will be a question of several years work. 

"But it is not fantastically infectious, so I wouldn't expect there to be a massive outbreak in other parts of the world."





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#### Categories

Health and Medicine, SARS