A mysterious disease that started in Hong Kong has killed 386 people in 14 countries since February 1 and is now classified by the World Health Organization as a global threat. Scientists at Hong Kong University are trying to isolate the suspected virus, working in maximum security labs where all rooms are steam-cleaned and all masks and gowns are burned after use, but they don't expect their research to be fully funded until the disease strikes in a place where people think of themselves as immortal. We speak, of course, of California.
April 7, 2003 5:29 AM
