SARS veterans tackle coronavirus

There have been several posts on the Digital Journal recently about the new strain of coronavirus, which has reportedly led to some SASR-like flu-like symptoms in people, some of which have proved to be fatal. In relation to this important virological issue, the scientists who helped to fight the 2003 epidemic of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) have launched a new investigation into the latest threat. Nature has reported that the researchers have mapped the genome sequence of the new coronavirus and the first diagnostic tests to screen for it. These are two major advances that will help in efforts to control the pathogen if it turns into a wider menace. With regard to the new coronavirus, so far, there is little evidence that the virus poses any major public-health threat. No one who came into contact with the two cases has fallen ill, suggesting that the virus does not spread easily between humans. Reference: Nature 490, 20 (04 October 2012) doi:10.1038/490020a