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WHO removes Hong Kong from list of areas with recent local SARS transmission

WHO removes Hong Kong from list of areas with recent local SARS transmission

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The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today removed Hong Kong, which has reported the second largest number of SARS cases and deaths after China, from the list of areas with recent local transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today removed Hong Kong, which has reported the second largest number of SARS cases and deaths after China, from the list of areas with recent local transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

“This is a very significant achievement,” said David Heymann, WHO’s Executive Director of Communicable Diseases. “Hong Kong, with its dense population and fluid border with China, had one of the hardest outbreaks to control. This success means that the whole world can now feel safer from the SARS threat.”

The most important consideration is whether 20 days have passed since the last locally acquired case was isolated, WHO said. If no further cases have occurred for 20 days, which is twice the maximum incubation period for SARS, the criteria for the change in status is met.

“Faced with the largest outbreak outside mainland China, Hong Kong also pioneered many of the control measures used to successfully contain smaller outbreaks elsewhere. It is gratifying that these measures have now brought Hong Kong to the point of victory over the virus, although continued vigilance remains vital,” WHO said.

SARS was first carried out of southern China into Hong Kong, and then on to Hanoi, Toronto, and Singapore, in late February. “From the day when the first cluster of cases was recognized, Hong Kong officials have provided open, honest, and abundant information about SARS to both the public and the media,” WHO said.