Print

Mail

wiki links

WHO criticizes China over most recent SARS case

The World Health Organization (WHO) has rapped China over the way it has handled its most recent SARS case, strongly recommending more research into the source of the infection.

"The case raises a number of concerns about the manner in which the man's infection was detected, treated and reported," the WHO said in a statement.

The WHO issued the statement after China made a surprise announcement on Saturday of this winter's fourth case of SARS.

The case, identified as a 40-year-old doctor surnamed Liu from a hospital in southern China's Guangdong province, had already been discharged by the time the Ministry of Health announced it.

The patient was reported to have become unwell with fever and myalgia on Jan. 7 and to have had a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia made one week later, the WHO said.

However, he was not properly isolated in hospital until Jan. 16 and was not declared as a suspect case to the Ministry of Health until Jan. 26, and the WHO was not informed about the case until Jan. 30, it said.

"Early detection, swift isolation and prompt reporting of cases are vital in the control of any infectious disease," the WHO said.

Nine people who had close contact with the doctor and 39 others who had some contact with him have been put under quarantine at home.

None of them have shown signs of fever or other SARS symptoms, according to state media.

"The thoroughness of the contact tracing must be urgently reviewed to ensure that all those who could have been exposed by this case have been identified," the WHO said.

It also urged a "rigorous" review of all contacts of the case in the two weeks prior to the onset of his symptoms to ensure that none of them could have been the source of his illness.

The source of infection of the most recent SARS case remains unknown despite an investigation by local officials in Guangdong, the WHO said, citing the health ministry.

Also see story:
China closes poultry markets, factories
This story has been viewed 2218 times.