Japan Airlines Said to Hire Merrill as Financial Adviser in Partner Search Sep 19, 2009
JAL had a 25 percent drop in overseas passengers in June, the biggest decline since outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome and bird flu in 2003. To contact the reporter on this story: Takahiko Hyuga in Tokyo at. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
American Airlines Said to Plan Oneworld Group Investment in Japan Airlines Sep 19, 2009
The carrier, privatized by the government in 1987 and now Asias most-indebted airline, had a 25 percent drop in overseas passengers in June, the biggest decline since outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome and bird flu in 2003. It gets its airline business from international travel. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Vaccine production Sep 18, 2009
Sinovac was the first and only company ever to create a vaccine for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the worldwide pandemic that left almost 350 people in China dead. The SARS vaccine was never used. (CNN -- World)
Get your flu shots Sep 18, 2009
Respiratory infections also include diseases such as whooping cough, measles, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and tuberculosis. Germs called bacteria and viruses cause these infections. (Alpine Avalanche, TX)
FACTBOX-Key "fat tail" risks facing Asian investors Sep 17, 2009
This year's H1N1 swine flu pandemic and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002/3 caused major upheaval in Asia, even though they were relatively mild compared to the damage that a virulent global pandemic could wreak. The possibility of a new avian influenza mutation starting in Asia and going global is regarded by risk planners as a key danger. (Scientific American)
Swine Flu Means $25,000 Chartered Flights to New York for Top Executives Sep 16, 2009
When southeast Asia suffered the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, executives requested private jets in order to fly alone and avoid crowded aircraft, charter operators said. Gatwick, England-based , which estimates the worldwide charter business is worth about 20 billion pounds ($33 billion), predicts that pattern will repeat itself. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Japan Air Stake May Give Delta or American Airlines Prize of China Access Sep 15, 2009
Overseas passengers plunged 25 percent in June, the biggest decline since outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome and bird flu in 2003. Japan Air flies to 13 cities in mainland China as well as Hong Kong, according to its Web site. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Common Viral Infection In Infants May Persist Long-term In Central Nervous System Sep 13, 2009
15, 2005) Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), by its very name, indicates a disease of the respiratory tract. But SARS can also infiltrate brain tissue, causing significant central nervous system. (Science Daily)
Is a Swine Flu Outbreak Getting Close? Ask Your iPhone Sep 9, 2009
Because Chinese officials forbade official reporting of the new disease, the WHO and the rest of the international health community didn't become fully aware of the situation until the infection which would later be called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS crossed the border to Hong Kong and then to the rest of the world. If epidemiologists had been able to pick up those early media reports about SARS, the disease might not have gone on to kill nearly 800 people. (Time.com)
Kimchi brings both health and beauty Sep 5, 2009
It's because they have been grown on kimchi," claims Kim Sung-Hoon, who chairs an upcoming Gwangju Kimchi Festival. "If you want to age gracefully and have beautiful skin, eat Korean kimchi," said Kim, a former agriculture minister. Such assertions are not new given kimchi's iconic status - it has its own museum in Seoul and was blasted into space with the country's first astronaut in 2008. There have even been claims, unsupported by scientific evidence, that it can ward off bird flu and Severe... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Chinese business city folks, told don't spit, don't talk loudly, don't cut queues Aug 25, 2009
Many health experts believe that the 2003 deadly outbreak of SARS _ severe acute respiratory syndrome - originated in the Guangzhou area. The region has long been regarded by scientists as one of the world's biggest breeding grounds for new flu viruses because the dense human population lives close to pigs and water fowl on farms and in markets. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Engineered Protein-like Molecule Protects Cells Against HIV Infection Aug 19, 2009
For example, HIV and several other human viruses including influenza, Ebola and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus rely on interactions both among their own proteins and with host cell proteins to infect the cells. "There's a lot of information transfer that occurs when proteins come together, and one would often like to block that information flow," says Samuel Gellman, a chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Science Daily)
Swine flu: Learn from 1994 plague, says Swaminathan Anklesaria Aiyar Aug 16, 2009
The 2002-03 epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS ) hogged global headlines for almost a year. Yet, WHO data between November 2002 and July 2003 listed only 8,096 infections and 774 SARS deaths globally. (India Times)
SARS Epidemic 2002 to 2003 Aug 16, 2009
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Originated in China ... Dr. Urbani identified this new strain of virus as highly contagious and gave it the name Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). (Suite101.com)
Africa: Continent May Be Severely Affected By Swine Flu Aug 12, 2009
"Most health systems have coped well, however, some have seen a level of social disruption, specifically when schools and businesses had to close. "Some countries have reported additional strain on health personnel, hospital beds, laboratories and resources - this is of particular importance to us as resources in Africa are always limited," Dr Motsoaledi said. He added that he hoped the potential effects of the pandemic on Africa's resource-constrained and already challenged health care systems... (allAfrica.com)
Swine Flu Strategy Under Revision Aug 5, 2009
Federal officials proposed school closings after studying the outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian flu in Asia earlier this decade, examining the 1918 and 1957 flu pandemics and using new computer models. But opponents of school closings said that the research relied on unrealistic assumptions and overlooked real-world factors. (CBS News)
Malaria may have come from chimps - study Aug 4, 2009
Other animal-to-human infections include severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which killed 800 people in 2003-2004, Ebola and Marburg viruses, and plague. (Editing by Xavier Briand). (AlertNet)
China seals off remote town where 3 died of plague Aug 4, 2009
Since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, known as SARS, in 2003, during which China s slow and secretive response was blamed for the spread of the disease worldwide, the government has overhauled how it deals with such outbreaks. Its aggressive approach to swine flu in recent months is credited with keeping the number of infected within its borders to a minimum. (Boston Globe)
Singapore Airlines posts first loss in six years Jul 31, 2009
85 million) in the April to June period, its first quarterly loss since the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003. The airline earned a net profit of 358. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
2 locals treated for H1N1 Jul 29, 2009
Fautin said his office has received many calls about the Safeway employees, some from people under the mistaken impression they could have been exposed to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and should stay home no matter their condition. There s absolutely no indication that SARS is in Benton County, Fautin said. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Siliconware Precision Industries Reports a 53.6% Quarter-over-Quarter Growth in Revenues Jul 29, 2009
-- the intensely competitive personal computer, communications, consumer ICs and non-commodity memory semiconductor industries and markets; -- cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry; -- risks associated with global business activities; -- non-operating losses due to poor financial performance of some of our investments; -- our dependence on key personnel; -- general economic and political conditions; -- possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural and human induced... (PR Newswire)
WHO chief doubts speedy swine flu vaccinations Jul 17, 2009
In densely populated Hong Kong, which was paralysed by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003, a Filipino maid was fighting for her life in hospital with the territory's worst case of swine flu yet. Japan's tally of infections reached 3,122 by early Wednesday but most of those people have already recovered, the health ministry said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Australia braces for mass swine flu vaccination Jul 14, 2009
Densely populated Hong Kong, which was paralysed by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003, said this week it was buying enough swine flu vaccine to cover two million high-risk people. With the global death toll from A(H1N1) now reaching at least 429, WHO director of vaccine research Marie-Paul Kieny said Monday that a swine flu vaccine should be available as early as September. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Sky Harbor, Gateway airports train staff in case of pandemic Jul 6, 2009
"We also have experience related to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) years ago (in 2003)," said airport spokeswoman Alisa Smith. "Our emergency-preparedness plans are in place and we are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to practice for all types of emergencies.". (AZCentral -- News)
A(H1N1): Dont play down its seriousness, says Liow Jul 1, 2009
A(H1N1): Dont play down its seriousness, says Liow (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Spreads easily but not so deadly Jun 28, 2009
Avian Flu (influenza A(H5N1) had 433 reported cases and 262 deaths; while SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) had 8,096 reported cases and 774 deaths. This shows that there is a higher mortality rate of 61% and 9. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Hong Kong risk management Jun 16, 2009
That was the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003, during which 300 people died, including nurses and doctors. Sars was a shocking experience for this densely populated territory, and the government was criticised for not acting decisively or fast enough. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
UCSF and Abbott launch viral discovery center at Mission Bay Jun 16, 2009
The ViroChip was developed by UCSF professors Joe DeRisi, PhD, and Donald Ganem, MD, and was first used in the 2003 identification of the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.. Since then, the DeRisi Laboratory has fielded numerous requests to help identify mysterious illnesses that have stumped public health agencies, physicians and veterinarians alike, Chiu said. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Reliance Pacific still positive on sale Jun 4, 2009
To a question, Tan said the A(H1N1) flus impact on the travel industry was not as severe as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic a few years ago. The impact on travel was greater during the SARS scare. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
WB chalks out $500 mln for pandemic flu prevention Jun 3, 2009
Gutman noted the World Bank will also provide countries with the latest evidence and lessons learned from previous emergency responses such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian influenza, and post-disaster reconstruction after the 2004 Asian tsunami, to help them with their pandemic flu contingency plans, while also working to strengthen their human and animal health systems. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
* CDC announces 14th case of swine flu Jun 3, 2009
Influenza A was previously classified as a Category I Communicable Disease X like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) had been six years ago X because its speed of spread in Mexico had alarmed the WHO and governments around the globe, so the strictest standards had been applied, Shih said. However, after two months of observation we find that the swine flu may not be as scary as we first thought. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
University of Maryland School of Medicine awarded $20M from NIH Jun 3, 2009
The institute will use the funding to sequence and analyze the genomes of bioterrorism agents and disease outbreaks, such as swine flu or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The research could lead to the creation of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools to treat infectious diseases. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Quicker, Cheaper SARS Virus Detector Jun 1, 2009
The protein the prototype system detects is the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus n-protein, which infected more than 8,000 people in 2002-2003, killing nearly 10 percent of them ... 5, 2008) Researchers have uncovered the mechanism that contributes to the buildup of fibrous lung tissue in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), finding that a SARS viral protein important. (Science Daily)
Adrift on the high sneeze May 30, 2009
The near pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 rightly caused concern. But if the doomsayers are correct and millions of Australians come down with H1N1 swine flu, the cost could be catastrophic. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Rubber gloves industry gains in times of global infectious disease outbreak May 30, 2009
During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bird flu outbreaks, most glove makers experienced an uptrend in terms of revenue, capacity expansion and bottomlines. Lim Cheong Guan. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
The challenges of avian influenza virus: Mechanism, epidemiology and control May 23, 2009
In 2003, during the outbreak of SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome), one human fatal case was surprisingly diagnosed with an H5N1 virus isolation. This is the first human infection case in the mainland China. (EurekAlert!)
Hawaii tourism execs try to calm flu jitters May 23, 2009
The hope is that the crisis, which has persuaded thousands of Japanese visitors to cancel trips to Hawaii in just the past 10 days, will taper off far sooner than the six months it took arrivals to rebound after the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003. Hawaii is far better prepared to deal with H1N1 than it was for SARS, said Marsha Wienert, the state s tourism liaison. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Manufacturing bouncing off bottom but flu outbreak remains a threat May 23, 2009
Taking the cue from the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003, any panic caused by a pandemic could lead to a deterioration of consumer confidence and curtail the movement of people and economic activities. The new virus, therefore, is certainly not a welcome guest to our hopeful economic recovery party. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Japan Plays Down Swine Flu Threat to Curb Panic; Tokyo Confirms Third Case May 22, 2009
This virus should be considered more like a seasonal flu than a more deadly disease such as Avian flu or SARS, Chief Cabinet Secretary said today at a press conference, referring to severe acute respiratory syndrome. People should remain cautious but calm. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Swine Flu Spreads in Japan as Government Eases Response; U.S. Toll Climbs May 22, 2009
An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, killed at least 774, or almost 10 percent, of the more than 8,000 people infected globally from November 2002 to July 2003, according to WHO data. H5N1 killed almost two-thirds of its 424 victims over the past six years, compared with a fatality rate of less than 1 percent for swine flu. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
YOUR HEALTH: As swine flu fears ebb, will hand-washing dry up? May 21, 2009
But there was one big exception: In Toronto, which had just endured a deadly outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), fewer than 5% of people left dirty-handed. During that outbreak, public health officials had repeatedly urged people to protect themselves by washing their hands. (USA Today -- News)
Protein from algae shows promise for stopping SARS May 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A protein from algae may have what it takes to stop Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infections, according to a new research presented at the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego on Wednesday. Researchers have found that mice treated with the protein, Griffithsin (GRFT), had a 100 percent survival rate after exposure to the SARS corona virus (SARS-CoV), as compared to a 30 percent survival for untreated mice. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine Flu Arrives in Tokyo Area as Two Teenagers Test Positive to Virus May 21, 2009
Its probably worse than the Sept. 11 attacks or the SARS outbreak in 2003, he said, referring to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Hotel Cancellations. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
China's Swine Flu `Fear Factor' Exposes Weakness of Rural-Health Programs May 20, 2009
If diseases are able to get out into rural areas, and particularly if they can pass from animals to people and people back to animals in mutated forms, theyd be much harder to stamp out, says Chris Spohr, an economist at the Manila-based who helped Chinas government develop a program to strengthen disease preparedness for poor Western provinces in reaction to severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.. Chinas response to swine flu has been pushed by a fear factor as it tries... (Bloomberg)
Value of vaccination in fight against diseases May 20, 2009
In recent years, the world faced new threats in the forms of the 1997 H5N1 bird flu and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and now, the influenza A (H1N1) near pandemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of May 18, 40 countries have officially reported 8,829 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infections, with 74 deaths. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
`Yambo' Leaves Hong Kong Legacy of Stability Marred By Lehman `Small Blip' May 20, 2009
During his tenure, Yam also navigated Hong Kongs financial system through the economic slump caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003, which killed almost 300 people in the city as tourists stayed away, leading to empty hotels and restaurants. He also offered assurances and extended deposit insurance to end a run last year on the. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Selangor to enact Freedom of Info law May 19, 2009
During the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) scare (in 2005), the Health Ministry gave out good and quick information to the public but this was questioned online. Its a question of trust -- an FOI law would be the first step towards building trust in the authorities, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Retail Group expects weaker growth rate for retail sales for 2009 May 18, 2009
This is because we are better prepared compared to the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) breakout a few years back. At the time, we panicked and were told not to go out to restaurants and shopping centres. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
A (H1N1): Second casein Malaysia confirmed May 16, 2009
He said the ministrys past experiences with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have equipped it well to deal with the present situation. The Government is doing its part in trying to contain the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) by screening passengers at airports, putting in place quarantine procedures and treatment of proven cases with the relevant anti viral, he said in a statement. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Interview: WHO expects new flu cases to increase in Western Pacific region May 12, 2009
Hall said however Asian countries are "much better prepared" to the new epidemic due to the region's painful experience in the fight against SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and the bird flu over the past few years. On Monday, China's Ministry of Health confirmed the mainland's first case of A/H1N1 influenza case, signaling that the deadly virus has entered the world's most populous nation. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine flus key moments? Stay tuned May 11, 2009
SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) started in China, and once it broke out of the mainland in early 2003, it took just weeks to infect more than 8,000 people from 37 countries. The virus killed more than 770 people before it disappeared. (MSNBC -- Health)
Expert Warns Of Swine Flu-Bird Flu Mix May 9, 2009
Hong Kong is also wary of repeating the fallout of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which killed 299 people here in 2003. Some guests initially complained about being trapped, but the mood in the hotel appear to gradually shift to acceptance, then appreciation. (CBS News)
Hotel quarantine lifted May 9, 2009
In Asia, only Hong Kong and South Korea have confirmed cases of swine flu so far -- just four in all and no fatalities -- but governments remain mindful of the effect in recent years of bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.. Top health officials from a dozen East Asian nations meeting Friday in Thailand agreed on a strategy to stockpile anti-flu drugs and improve monitoring. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Africa: No A (H1N1) Cases - Reality Or Poor Lab Facilities? May 9, 2009
In Mexico the first A (H1N1) case was misdiagnosed as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) because the lab did not recognise the infection strain, he told IRIN. It was only reported correctly four weeks later once it had been tested in the United States - after the virus had already spread to the United States and Canada. "In four weeks the virus can travel far and wide," Njenga warned. (allAfrica.com)
Does WHO need to declare full pandemic? May 8, 2009
Chan, who fought SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and bird flu as Hong Kong's health director, has warned such cases should not be taken lightly. "It is true that the number is small, but because of that I would say that we have not seen the full situation or the whole picture of what is happening," she told El Pais. (The Drudge Report)
U.S. experts: China's action to quarantine foreign travelers understandable May 8, 2009
Richard Baum, a scholar at the Center for Chinese Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, said the disastrous SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak which occurred in China several years ago, had made Chinese health authorities wary of the A/H1N1 flu virus. He said this explained why China took strict measures to quarantine travelers from Mexico in its initial response. (Xinhuanet, China)
Wage a global war against flu, while refraining from diplomatic row May 8, 2009
In 2003, when China was considered as the epicenter of an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the organizing committee for FIFA Women's World Cup decided to cancel the match hosted by Shanghai. Later the match was moved to the U.S., and the Chinese team was put under the forced quarantine for exactly 11 days before getting the permission to appear on the football green. (People's Daily Online, China)
"It is too early to claim victory on H1N1 virus", says IFRC May 8, 2009
"In particular, lessons learned from working with our National Societies to combat SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) between November 2002 and July 2003, and our ongoing preparedness programmes that tackle avian influenza, puts us in a well-placed position to make a significant and effective contribution with our partner governments, civil society and the UN system," adds Dr. Duplessis. Due to the potential threat that led the World Health Organization to raise its pandemic influenza... (AlertNet)
Swine flu tests confidence in China, Japan May 8, 2009
"After the test of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and based on the effective working experience to combat bird flu in the past few years, we are confident and capable of preventing and containing an H1N1 influenza epidemic," he said at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office of China in Beijing, according to Xinhua. "We have to take into consideration the worst possibilities while making the best preparations," he added. (Asia Times Online)
China lifts quarantine on Mexico flight passengers May 7, 2009
Zhong Nanshan, a Chinese academician who is respected as a heroin China's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),said on Thursday that China's prevention measures against the influenza A/H1N1 is "necessary". "Quarantine is the best way to prevent the epidemic from spreading when it is at peak," he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Health Official Arrives in Mexico City to Begin Work on Swine Flu Vaccine May 7, 2009
Still, its not as contagious as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, known as SARS, and is more treatable, which should calm fears among other countries, Cordova said. Fortunately, the sensibility of the virus in the first days is practically 100 percent, he said. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Business.view: Assuming the worst May 6, 2009
Most firms thought about many of these issues for the first time when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) struck Asia in 2003. That disease, which although dangerous to those who caught it turned out not to spread as easily as had been feared, provided a dry run to prepare the world for a more serious pandemic. (The Economist)
Lessons learned from the 1976 swine flu 'fiasco' May 6, 2009
The ghosts of flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) both haunt and inform today's response to H1N1. When it comes to controlling the flu, says Harvey Fineberg, co-author of The Swine Flu Affair, public health and political leaders seem to have learned that they can prepare to take action without prematurely committing to it. (USA Today -- News)
Notch1 Contributes To Scar Tissue In The Lungs May 6, 2009
5, 2008) Researchers have uncovered the mechanism that contributes to the buildup of fibrous lung tissue in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), finding that a SARS viral protein important. . (Science Daily)
IATA says no big impact from swine flu May 6, 2009
Association CEO Giovanni Bisignani says, "We haven't seen any relevant impact which could compare with SARS," the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in Asia in 2003 that reduced world air traffic by 20 percent. Speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, Bisignani said, "What we have seen in these two weeks is a noticeable slowdown in traffic to and from Mexico.". (MSNBC -- Travel)
