MyDoom can send out 100 infected mails in 30 seconds

Internet providers were kept busy yesterday blocking an email worm named MyDoom that can send out 100 infected email messages in 30 seconds.

The worm appears to users as an email error message. A small file is attached that, when launched on computers running Microsoft's Windows operating systems, can send out infected email messages to email addresses stored in the computer's address book and other documents.

The country's largest internet provider, Xtra, was blocking the worm last night at a rate of 1000 a minute.

Users who receive the worm and simply ignore or delete it should avoid any damage.

Experts said users should avoid opening emails from unfamiliar sources or contact their anti-virus software provider.