The first detailed study of the spread of the Sars virus in Hong Kong has discovered that the death rate among sufferers was much higher than previously estimated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) initially estimated that the death rate from the virus was 5%.

But the new study - the first to be based on a statistically sound sample of 1,425 cases - puts the death rate at one in five (20%) of those admitted to hospital.

Experts do not yet know whether there have been large numbers of Sars-infected patients who recovered in their homes without ever being admitted to hospital - which would reduce the overall death rate.

One of the scientists leading the study, Professor Roy Anderson of Imperial College, London, said the findings show it is vital that new cases are identified and treated quickly in order to control the spread of the virus.

Scientists fear that the fact that the death rate from Sars appears to be higher than first thought may be a sign that the virus is mutating into more deadly forms.

However, it may just be that the WHO under-estimated the risk.

Full Article:
BBC Health