4 Died from contagious SARS-like virus in China

Four persons have died from the new virus detected in China. The contagious SARS-like virus is spreading rapidly not only in China but in other countries as well.

The latest victim was an 89-year-old man.

More than 200 cases of this virus have been confirmed in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities.

World Health Organisation is likely to declare public health emergency over the virus.

China’s National Health Commission has warned that the virus can spread human-to-human.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported that at least 15 medical workers have grabbed the virus as they came into contact with the patients. One of them is in serious condition.

WHO has confirmed that there are 218 registered cases of SARS-like virus.

In addition to this, cases were also reported in other countries; one in Japan, one in South Korea and two in Thailand.

Symptoms of SARS-like virus include high fever, coughing, pneumonia.

SARS belongs to the coronavirus family and has a range of viruses depending on its effects and severity.

In 2002-2003, the SARS virus has created adverse effects in around 26 countries, especially in China and Hong Kong.

According to the UN’s health agency, the virus was identified from a strain belonging to a broad family that ranged from the common cold to serious SARS. The strain was never seen before.

Note that a similar virus named SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that has caused 349 deaths in China and 299 deaths in Hong Kong in 2002-2003.