China Warns Execution for SARS Spreaders
CDC, WHO Caution Against Overrreaction to Foreign Travelers
May 15, 2003 -- After months of being criticized for not doing enough to stop the spread of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), the Chinese government today announced that it would imprison or even execute persons found to be deliberately spreading the disease.
Meanwhile, officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC are warning against overreaction after what they call a rash of irrational behavior in excluding people arriving from SARS affected areas.
China today reported 52 new probable cases of SARS and four deaths, bringing the total in mainland China to 5,163 probable SARS cases and 271 deaths. Although the number of new SARS cases reported in China has declined substantially in recent days, new cases continue to be reported in all provinces. Taiwan also reported its largest single-day increase in SARS cases, 26, bringing its cumulative total to 264 probable cases and 30 deaths.
In a move to show the world that China is serious about containing the disease, the nation's supreme court said it would exercise its full authority to enforce quarantine and isolation measures designed to stop the spread of the disease.
According to the official Xinhua news agency, "Intentionally spreading sudden contagious disease pathogens, endangering public security or serious personal injury, death or heavy loss of public or private property will be punishable by from 10 years to life in prison or the death penalty."
Common Sense Urged in Dealing with SARS
CDC director Julie Gerberding, MD, says she was dismayed to hear of such drastic measures being considered in China. The CDC and WHO issued new advice this week aimed to prevent the stigmatization of people from areas with local transmission of SARS, including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Both organizations say persons arriving from these areas should not be isolated or excluded unless they display symptoms of SARS, such as high fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, or have been in close contact with a suspected SARS patient. According to the WHO, persons who have had close contact with a person with SARS within the last 10 days should not leave his or her country.