SARS under control

[Velociryx]

Good point, FP...but given all the publically run radio stations in these parts (including two at the local college), *somebody* would have made mention of the fact that there was a shortage of bed space at the local hospital if there was indeed a shortage.

To double check, I'll stop into the hospital I pass on the way home, but it's doubtful I'll discover anything amiss.

-=Vel=-

[Tingkai]

Originally posted by Velociryx
We cover up our mass slaughters of cattle with Mad Cow disease too.

That's not a great example. The US has not detected any mad cow disease because it tests only a very small fraction of cattle.

Originally posted by Velociryx
Nobody here (in the city I live in) has been effected. Not a blip on local radio, local TV, no reports of bed shortages at hospitals. Nada.
-=Vel=-

On one hand, thousands of people die of pneumonia every year in every country. IF Americans were dying from SARS it could simply be officially reported as pneumonia.

However, given that SARS tends to hit healthcare workers more than anyone else, American doctors and nurses would have no reason to cover up a disease that will infect them before anyone else.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Tingkai
However, given that SARS tends to hit healthcare workers more than anyone else, American doctors and nurses would have no reason to cover up a disease that will infect them before anyone else.

While that's true, it's not easy to distinguish SARS from pneumonia unless you run one of the tests on the patient.

[mindseye]

When you think about it, it doesn't make a lot of sense that the US did not suffer a similar SARS outbreak to Toronto's, given the proximity and close ties between the two countries.

Is it really that non-sensical?

Consider: Beijing had thousands of SARS cases, Shanghai had about six! There must be at least as much traffic between Shanghai - Beijing/Guangzhou/Hong Kong as Toronto - New York.

[Mr. President]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger
When you think about it, it doesn't make a lot of sense that the US did not suffer a similar SARS outbreak to Toronto's, given the proximity and close ties between the two countries.

It is puzzling, but there are certain intangible factors that might be involved: population habits, population density, inherent population susceptibility.

Malaysia was also affected much less than Singapore, and Japan much less than China.

[Tuberski]

What about the rest of Canada? Why only Toronto?

ACK!

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Tuberski
What about the rest of Canada? Why only Toronto?

B.C. got a few cases, but no local chain.

[Tuberski]

I heard about one case here in Texas, a man that went to Toronto in May.

ACK!

[notyoueither]

From the beginning, many had wondered why the severity of SARS in North America was centered mostly in Toronto. This was all the more puzzling since it's widely acknowledged that the Canadian health care system is far superior to that of the US. While Canadians enjoy the benefits of universal health care, many Americans are without any form of health insurance whatsoever.

The Canadian system is, in fact, substandard to the American counterpart. The difference is that all Canadians are entitled to the same level of mediocre care, while poorer Americans cannot access the best their system has to offer. That is why better-off Canadians often go to the US for better, faster care. It is even rumoured that those close to our senior politicians have done the US health care shuffle when wanting something looked after well and quickly.

Originally posted by Tuberski
What about the rest of Canada? Why only Toronto?

Indeed. No other population centre in Canada has had anything close to an epidemic. About the same as isolated occurances in many places around the world. Oh, and Toronto is a far bigger hub for travel within Canada than outside it.

[Urban Ranger]

June 23.

[Mr. President]

I beg your pardon?

[Urban Ranger]

That's the expected day when we will be removed from the "Infected Area" list.

[Urban Ranger]

Yes, yes! We are removed from the "Infected Area" list!

[Mr. President]

Rock on, Hong Kong!

[Urban Ranger]

Today, travel warning against Beijing was lifted, together with removal from the "Infected Area" list.



Finally, looks like SARS is over... for now.