WHO urges the French to remain calm in the face of the SARS-like virus.

Yesterday, May 13th, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged the French people to remain calm following reports that two people in France had been infected with a new SARS-like virus.



After French Health Minister Marisol Touraine (left) confirmed two cases of a SARS-like virus, many French people panicked - Photo: Reuters

According to AFP, when French authorities confirmed two cases of a SARS-like virus, many people panicked and rushed to hospitals for treatment. The WHO stressed that the French public should remain calm and not put excessive pressure on hospitals to ensure that those who are infected receive effective treatment.

"We need the French health system to be able to care for those who are actually infected... We don't want the health system to be overwhelmed," AFP quoted WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl as saying.

"Currently, there are only two cases of SARS-like virus infection in France. The likelihood of other French people being infected is very small," Hartl reassured.

Currently, there are 34 confirmed cases of the SARS-like virus worldwide, with 18 deaths, mostly in Saudi Arabia. The disease has also appeared in Germany, the UK, France, and other countries. However, the WHO affirms that travel advisories are not yet necessary.

“We have not detected community transmission. The WHO has only detected transmission among people who are very close to each other. Therefore, the risk of the virus spreading is small, and we have decided not to issue a travel advisory,” said Hartl.

According to Tuoi Tre - TH