Stefan
...re cases the air passages can be blocked off by inflammation, the lungs can therefore be damaged through a lack of oxygen. 6) Damaged and swelling lungs can affect the circulation of blood, resulting in organ malfunctions. How have people responded to this disease in various regions? Within China the SARS virus has become on of the biggest threats of everyday life, and to the Chinese peoples credit they have found a way to stop the spread of the SARS virus to some extent. Firstly, facemasks have been worn by all of the whole Chinese people, however, these facemasks will not protect them entirely, but it definitely reduces their chances of catching this epidemic. In reaction to a plea, which came from Chinese government officials, hundreds of different Chinese communities have all agreed to help clean up their neighbourhoods. This was asked of them after doctors found that poor, unclean living conditions increases the chances of SARS spreading. One case of the SARS virus spreading through unclean living habits was an apartment building that had a burst sewage pipe, as a result the whole building became infected; it caused 17 deaths. Schooling in China has been abandoned until the SARS virus subsides to some extent and many hospitals have been blocked off and are specializing with SARS victims. To stop the spread of the disease airports, world wide, will be granted new thermal imaging equipment, to see if any person boarding their plane is infected. Business in China seems to be on the downfall as their economic future seems uncertain, as many companies have pulled the plug on many projects and are sending employees home to stay healthy. Almost all international air fares that make stops near or in infected countries have been slashed by up to half of its original price, this is done to encourage people to travel to these areas despite the growing concerns of the SARS epidemic. Lastly, the Chinese government seems to be in a panic stricken state, and has made the correct decision to call on a meeting with other world leaders to discuss the future treatment of the SARS virus. What factors make SARS potentially an epidemic disease? The major factors, which make SARS potentially an epidemic disease is that, it is able to spread with very little resistance from the human anatomy. Its ability to mutate and change to suit its surroundings will also prove to be a difficult virus to cure. This, on top of the fact that we do not have a cure makes it a troublesome epidemic. Since it is able to mutate, a perfect vaccination will not be found. If a cure is found the SARS virus may have the ability to build an immunity to it. Overall, poor management and containment of the disease will definitely result in more casualties. However, if government officials world wide can meet together to devise of a plan to stop the SARS epidemic, it may go a long way to the future of China and other countries affected by the disease. Impacts on Society (Economic and political) AMP Henderson Global Investors Chief Economist Shane Oliver said “The global economy would be knocked back into recession and global share markets would lurch lower- with consumer discretionary and cyclical stocks generally being the most vulnerable.” So far this has been the case, as of the 28th of April Australian citrus and seafood industries have lost 1 million dollars each; just in the opening stages of t...