Taiwan Under Investigation For Under-Reporting SARS Impact

The World Health Organization has dropped travel warnings for several parts of China hard-hit by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This, after the number of new cases reported in the world's most populated country dropped to almost zero last week. On Saturday, China reported no new SARS cases anywhere in the country. There were, however, two deaths related to existing SARS infections. Still, it marks the 20th day in a row that China - the country hardest-hit by SARS - has reported fewer than ten new cases.

In the meantime, Taiwan, also severely impacted by the pneumonia-like virus, stands accused by the WHO of under-reporting the number and extent of SARS cases within its own borders. Hong Kong reported two SARS deaths as well - both elderly patients.

The Sydney Times-Herald (Australia) also reports Canada has been accused of failing to notify an American traveler he was exposed to SARS before returning to the United States. So far, there have been no confirmed SARS deaths in the United States.

The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has, in the past, applauded WHO decisions to drop SARS-related travel restrictions and has led the effort to disinfect commercial aircraft and develop screening procedures for both inbound and outbound passengers. AAPA members including Qantas, Asiana, JAL, Singapore Airlines and others have suffered economically under SARS, but report traffic - especially tourist traffic - has finally started to rebound.

SARS Deaths By Country

• China (mainland): 344
• Hong Kong: 293
• Taiwan: 83
• Canada: 33
• Singapore: 31
• Vietnam: 5
• Malaysia: 2
• Philippines: 2
• Thailand: 2
• South Africa: 1
• Worldwide: 796

Suspected SARS Infections By Country

• China (mainland): 5,328
• Hong Kong: 1,755
• Taiwan: 694
• Canada: 238
• Singapore: 206
• Worldwide: 8,400+
• (Source: Sydney Sun-Herald)

FMI: www.who.int, www.aapairlines.org/index.php3