ASIA: The mystery illness which has claimed more than 100 lives is probably in Asia to stay, according to an infectious diseases expert.
Dr Jim Hughes, of the US Centres for Disease Control, said he believed that SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) could not now be eradicated in the Far East.
"I think we have to assume that the virus is in Asia to stay," he said. "In terms of its introduction into North America, whether it is here to stay I think remains to be seen, but I think we should assume that it may well be."
The flu-like illness has already delivered a heavy economic blow across Asia, hitting hotels, airlines, restaurants, tourism and sporting fixtures. So far, it has reached 20 countries, infected about 2,700 people worldwide and killed at least 106, according to the World Health Organisation. There have been at least 1,290 cases in China and 970 in Hong Kong. The US has 148 cases "under investigation" but has reported no deaths. - (Reuters)