KARACHI, May 12: A seminar on Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) was organized by the Microbiology department of Karachi University in the conference hall of science faculty on Monday.

Dr Ashraf Sadiq — director of the Ojha Institute — in his keynote address termed Sars a deadly disease which, he pointed out, transmitted widely within a short period of time.

“So far 28 countries have been afflicted by the severity of the disease. However, luckily its impact was confined to 8 countries only with 7 per cent death ratio which may be termed high by any standard,” he added.

Dr Sadiq said the severity of the syndrome could be checked effectively by pursuing hygienic conditions. With the onset of cold and cough the treatment process should not be delayed as negligence could bring about serious consequences.

Referring to the precarious condition in China, he said more than 5,000 patients there had been kept in quarantine to minimize the risks. More than 230 deaths had been reported from there which signified the tough conditions there.

He said by observing the required precautions, including maintaining hygiene, boiling water, eating hot food, neat utensils and clean environment the severity of the syndrome could be reduced.

Dr Shahana Urooj, chairperson of the microbiology department, said strict vigil should be kept on the surroundings, besides boiling water before its usage.

The disease might also spread through urine, faeces and other unhygienic material.

Dr Essa Abdullah emphasized the exigency to keep vigil over people entering Pakistan via different routes.

Later, responding to questions, Dr Ashraf Sadiq informed the audience that special arrangements had been made at the Ojha Institute where affected people would be placed. Special training session had also been arranged for the institute’s staff. — PPI