Bangkok, Oct 18: Asian countries are preparing for a likely return of SARS in the coming months, but Washington says the region must also shield itself against possible biological terror attacks. Senior officials at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings today endorsed a collective plan to rapidly detect and halt the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
The disease killed hundreds, sickened thousands and dented economies this year.
US officials at the meeting, that comes ahead of a leaders' summit on Monday and Tuesday, also said extremist groups might use diseases as weapons. "The Americans proposed that the region should also build the capacity to deal with man-made diseases that could be made by terrorists," Sihasak said. Asian diplomats said SARS research would be stepped up and conducted under stringent security to prevent accidental outbreaks and the possibility that viruses and knowledge about them could end up in terrorist hands. Bureau Report