The damage from a deadly mystery disease escalated in Hong Kong yesterday as world health officials warned travelers to avoid the territory, where some contracted the illness and spread it to other countries.
A day earlier, a 14-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly spreading an online rumor that Hong Kong had been designated an "infected city," prompting panic-buying of food and supplies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday that travelers should stay away from Hong Kong and China's Guangdong province, the two areas hardest hit by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which has sickened more than 1,800 people worldwide and killed at least 75.
Health officials have been alarmed to see SARS spread by international air travelers, but the WHO's advisory will bring further grief to hotels and airlines that have seen bookings plunge.
One Hong Kong health expert said the WHO had overreacted.
"I don't think it's necessary," said Lam Shiu-kum, the dean of the Medicine Faculty of the University of Hong Kong.
"The disease will not be spread if we maintain good hygiene and make everyone aware of it through good health education through channels including the airport," Lam said. "We have already got hold of the virus, developed a diagnostic test and know how to treat the illness."
The fake online story that went out Tuesday sent frightened residents rushing to stores to stock up on supplies of rice and other essentials.
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