IS SARS THE NEW PLAGUE OF THE 21ST CENTURY?

Every hundred years the world is faced with an epidemic of global proportion which forces people to evaluate and adapt or become extinct. Is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) the black plague of the 21st century?

IS SARS THE NEW PLAGUE OF THE 21ST CENTURY?
- Toronto ON

Every hundred years the world is faced with an epidemic of global proportion which forces people to evaluate and adapt or become extinct. Is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) the black plague of the 21st century?

In Canada there are over 100 cases of the S.A.R.S. infection reported and that number is expected to rise exponentially.

Thousands of people have been quarantined around the world to try and slow down the spread of the outbreak.

So far, it has been determined that the S.A.R.S. virus is communicable through droplets from coughs and sneezes. It has also been determined that the virus can be transferred to inanimate objects and is now suspected of being transferred through the air.

Presently there is no treatment available. All antiviral, steroid treatments and other methods of treating similar viruses have had no effect with this new breed of sickness.

To decrease your chances of becoming ill you should try to avoid large populated areas. Cover your mouth and nose with a surgical mask to avoid breathing in the virus. Wear protective eyeglasses. The moisture on your eyes can pickup many diseases and there is no reason to believe that this one is any different. Consider working from home as a precautionary measure. Avoid unnecessary physical contact. Shaking hands may be considered polite however simply saying "Hi" is a lot healthier.

If this is another global epidemic with the potential to wipe out the human population, shouldn't we as a people be taking precautionary measures early to avoid the inevitable and obvious conclusion?

- Paul Johnston (Freelance Journalist)