The World Health Organization (WHO) removed Hong Kong from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS on Monday, but warned that continued vigilance remains vital.
The WHO said 20 days, which is twice the maximum incubation period, have passed since the last case was isolated on June 2 in Hong Kong.
Experts said after 20 days have passed since the removal of thelast case from the community at large, the chain of human-to-humantransmission is considered broken, thus eliminating the risk of infection for both local residents and travelers.
"This is a very significant achievement," said Dr. David Heymann, executive director of communicable diseases of the WHO. "This success means that the whole world can now feel safer from the SARS threat."
The WHO said from the day when the first cluster of cases were recognized, Hong Kong government officials have provided open, honest and abundant information about SARS to both the public and the media.
Hong Kong also benefited from the contribution of its outstanding scientists, epidemiologists, and clinicians, who were at the forefront to track down source cases in various clusters, identify the causative agent, develop diagnostic tests, and work out treatment protocols.
On April 2, the WHO advised the public to consider postponing all but essential travel to Hong Kong. That recommendation was removed more than 7 weeks later, on May 23.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2003)
