Close watch for virus

By ANGELA GREGORY

The Ministry of Health believes the country still faces a significant threat from the deadly pneumonia virus spreading around the world.

Though there have been no reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in New Zealand, the ministry is on the lookout as the number of cases overseas increases.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, said there was still a significant risk a traveller could bring the syndrome into the country.

The latest World Health Organisation update, on March 27, reported 1408 cases, and 53 deaths, up from 1323 cases and 49 deaths as of March 26.

Dr Tukuitonga said the ministry had a telephone conference yesterday with representatives of the World Health Organisation, Communicable Disease Network of Australia, National Pandemic Planning Committee, Medical Officers of Health, and viral illness expert networks.

The situation would be reviewed on Monday.

He said WHO was recommending that airport authorities in infected countries screen all departing passengers.

Airlines were on the alert for signs of the illness and the ministry would update and increase the information available.



Overseas:

* Hong Kong is drawing up stringent new health checks for travellers to fight Sars. It will require them to fill out health declaration forms at all checkpoints from today.

More government staff will be posted at checkpoints to detect those displaying symptoms.

About 100 schools are now closed.

The Rolling Stones called off two shows scheduled for the weekend. Two shows went ahead in Singapore.

* Philippines - Travellers from affected areas are being voluntarily quarantined for one week.

* Canada - Ontario has declared a health emergency and some schools have been closed.

* Singapore - Reported cases and close contacts are being home-quarantined, affecting 840 people. Six Singapore shows by popular Australian children's entertainers the Wiggles have since been called off.