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SARS: Killer Bug

Channel 4/International & Pioneer Productions - 2003

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness that was recognized as a global threat in March 2003 after first appearing in Southern China in November 2002. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) during November 2002 through July 2003, a total of 8,098 people worldwide became sick with SARS, of these, 774 died. By late July 2003, no new cases were being reported, and WHO declared the global outbreak to be over. For more information on the SARS outbreak of 2003, visit WHO's SARS website

Reelthing created the first animation of the SARS virus. This animation shows a man coughing releasing the virus into the air.

After being broadcast on 28th May 2003, the Science Museum of London commissioned some further high resolution images.