It feels like a long time ago, probably because subconsciously I just don't want to revisit what happened in the spring and summer of 2003 in Beijing. But the ongoing swine flu (or "influenza A (H1N1)") scare revived my memory of the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome.
In hindsight, SARS started in the early weeks of 2003 in Guangdong province. The government initially denied its existence and then underreported cases, as the virus quickly spread out to other regions and countries. Eventually, more than 600 Chinese residents died of SARS. The government's mishandling of the epidemic sparked anger from within and outside of the country.But the dry facts don't do any justice in revealing what individuals experienced in that crisis. I'm sure everyone has a different story. Mine started with school closings in Beijing.In the middle of the spring, more SARS cases were confirmed in the nation's capital. Authorities ordered a lockdown of all college and university campuses (yes, they were gated and guarded). Without special permission, nobody could leave or come in. Classes were canceled. Life became very simple - studying at the library, eating at the school cafeteria, and sleeping in the dorm - until one evening, I injured my right ankle when playing badminton (we were advised to exercise to strengthen our immune systems). I was immediately sent to the school hospital on campus. After a brief check-up, the doctor taped up my painful and swollen ankle and prescribed pain killer. Fearing of bone damage, I asked for an X-ray exam.The doctor said: "Are you sure? At this point, we only send suspected SARS patients to the X-ray lab." One major SARS symptom was the buildup of fibrous lung tissue, which shows on X-rays.So I decided to skip X-rays and use traditional herbal ointments, which were mailed in by a relative outside of Beijing.In short, it took a year and half to heal that ankle. At the end of the summer, when things came back to normal, I finally had an X-ray, which showed abnormal balance of bone density and slight misalignment. The doctor said the only way to fix it would be to break my ankle again and realign the bones. But I was all set to come to the U.S. for graduate school. I never since had the time (or the courage) for that treatment. I'm glad that the Chinese government appears to be taking plenty of precaution and maintaining transparency this time. Although China so far doesn't have any confirmed cases of swine flu, health checks are being conducted. National leaders are working with international organizations and other countries to fight swine flu.Let's hope the outbreak doesn't get much worse.SEARCH
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My memory of SARS
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COMMENTS (5)
Matt K:
Great story. It must have been pretty scary when they ordered the schools to be locked down. Sounds a lot like what is going on in Mexico right now. They say the earth has ways of protecting itself, I guess SARS and this new flu are prime examples.
Stephen Downer:
Nina:
Thanks for your personal account of SARS 2003.
The Chinese authorities appear to have adopted much tougher measures than Mexico's.
Personally, I would have preferred the Mexican federal and state governments to keep all schools and universities closed for several more weeks.
This is because the numbers of confirmed deaths from A (H1N1) and confirmed cases of the virus are still rising and stand at 45 and 1,364, respectively, today (Friday, May 8).
But the universities re-opened this week and all other schools will re-open next Monday.
On top of this, all restaurants, bars, cinemas and discotheques have re-opened, albeit under stricter rules than before the flu alert.
Many people have also decided not to wear their face or surgical masks when they're out and about, believing that the crisis is over.
One does not wish to be alarmist but I think people would be wise to stay away from crowded places for a few weeks more.
Nina Ying Sun 
:
:
I agree. Better safe than sorry. However, China's tough preventive measures, including the quarantining of Mexican and Canadian citizens as well as the ban of pork products from Alberta, have landed itself in diplomatic rows. What's the right thing for China to do to make everybody happy, or is there a such thing? China was one of the first countries to send aid to Mexico, for what it's worth.
Posted by Nina Ying Sun |
May 8, 2009 2:02 PM
Chris:
Matt K:
Scary stuff indeed. I would disagree that SARS and the Swine Flu are vehicles for Earth to protect itself. They've taken innocent lives (including U.S. citizens), plus the survivors with medical complications.
Nina:
Why does China take flak for the quarantine? Many governments take measures to protect the masses. That's why we have security checkpoints in airports and speed limits on roads. Sure, it's a inconvenince; sure, I'd be upset if I was among those that were quarantined; but these are just necessary actions prevent a severe outbreak.
LeraJenkins:
Unequivocally, a prompt reply :)