Scientists use new communications, research technologies to quickly identify, contain microbes

Since the outbreak of what became known as SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, 10 years ago, scientists have been quick to identify and contain new viruses, which they attribute to improved communication among researchers and from the general public, NPR's "Shots" blog reports. In addition to the Internet and social media, the International Health Regulations, which went into effect in 2007, "require countries to report disease outbreaks right away to the World Health Organization," according to the blog. "Better communications aside, the world has another big advantage over the SARS era," as the genetic sequencing of new pathogens can be determined quickly, rather than over a period of months, the blog writes, noting, "Knowing the genetic sequence gives researchers a lot of clues about where the virus may have come from" and "also has enabled them to devise a quick and reliable diagnostic test, plus a confirmatory test, so doctors can tell if an acutely ill patient is infected with the new virus or something else" (Knox, 10/3).