- AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -- The
deadly SARS virus might be more contagious than previously thought and
possibly transmitted by contaminated food or water, droplets of mucus,
urine, feces and sweat, scientists reported on Friday.
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- Researchers at the Groningen University Hospital in the
Netherlands and the First Military Medical University in Guangzhou, China,
said their findings emphasized the need for more stringent infection-control
measures.
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- The Dutch scientists found receptors that enable the
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus to bind to cells in the
lungs, kidneys and the lining of the small intestine and on sweat glands,
arteries and veins.
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- Both research papers were published this week in the
British Journal of Pathology.
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- "We revealed a small piece of the puzzle... which
indicates that once the virus is in the blood it could affect all kinds
of organs," Dr Harry van Goor, one of the supervisors of the study
in the Netherlands, told Reuters.
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- "There is a strong possibility that SARS could be
spread via water and skin contact. Our findings may benefit a lot of people...
and make them be very cautious about contact with SARS patients."
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- SARS first emerged in southern China in 2002. It infected
more than 8,000 people in nearly 30 countries and killed nearly 800. Although
the outbreak was brought under control, public health experts say it could
re-emerge.
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- Symptoms of SARS include a high fever accompanied by
a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
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- Scientists identified as its cause a new virus from the
family of corona viruses, which are also implicated in the common cold
and a range of animal illnesses.
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- China, Hong Kong and Canada were most severely affected
by the virus, which was spread around the world by international air travelers.
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- The Chinese scientists in Guangzhou analyzed tissues
from four people who had died of the infection and produced findings similar
to those of their Dutch colleagues, the Journal of Pathology said in a
statement.
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- "As a result of our work we recommend new infection
control measures, which include getting patients to wear gloves, disposable
gowns and eye protection... and to avoid kissing or touching other people,"
the journal quoted Dr Yanqing Ding, the researcher who led the Chinese
study, as saying.
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