Scientists say they have identified the virus that causes the mysterious,flulike illness Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Scientists say the corona virus(冠状病毒),now identified as the cause of SARS,ispart of the same family of viruses that causes the common cold.However they say it is part of a distinct subgroup of corona viruses that do not have the same properties as the ordinary cold.
World Health Organiation virologist Klaus Stohr said that with the identificaton of this corona virus,it could now be possible to develop more specific diagnostic tests for the disease.
“Now the research can be focused on this virus.The research will hlep us to develop new drugs，”he said.“Now we can focus on one pathogen which has been sequenced,which provides additional information for the development of tests.Now,one can perhaps think about a vaccine(疫苗) if need be.We are still,I think,optimistic that we can control the disease with the measures which have been carried out.”
SARS is spread by droplets through close personal contact.Symptoms include high fever,a dry cough and shortness of breath.About four percent of its victims die.The scientists say this virus has long existed in nature,but it has never been seen in humans before.
They say a new genetic sequencing of the SARS virus proves conclusively that it came from animals.A scientist at the U.S.Center for Disease Control,James Le Duc,says this is the first experience scientists have with this virus.Therefore,he says,a lot remains unknown.
“As you know,it is what we call a virgin soil outbreak,”Mr Le Duc said.“It has never occurred in humans before.How it will progress,nobody really knows.But,it is most difficult to control diseases that are spread by droplets in this persontoperson spread.So,I think it would be premature(太早的) to suggest we arenear the end of this outbreak.”
1.The passage mainly tells us———— .
A.people have controlled the virus
B.SARS virus has been identified
C.SARS virus is too difficult for man to control
D.everything about SARS
2.Which of the following statements about the corona virus is NOT true?
A.It has been identified as the cause of SARS and the common cold.
B.It and the virus causing the ordinary cold belong to the same family.
C.It is part of a distinct subgroup of corona viruses.
D.It has different properties from the ordinary cold.
3.From what Klaus Stohr said,it is known that———— .
A.the research has already stopped SARS from spreading
B.a vaccine has been developed
C.we have no hope to control the terrible disease
D.it is possible to develop more specific diagnostic tests for the diseasE because of the identification of the corona virus
4.How can a person get SARS?
A.By giving a SARS patient a call.
B.By shaking hands with a SARS patient.
C.By eating the same food as a SARS patient.
D.By seeing a photo of a SARS patient.
5.From the last two paragraphs we know that ————.
A.the corona virus came from plants instead of animals
B.we only know a little about the corona virus
C.we completely know about SARS
D.we are near the end of SARS
