Within weeks, a new coronavirus that started in Wuhan, China has infected more people than Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) did in months. On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global emergency. 

A mainland Chinese businessman points at a building from the Peak, a popular sightseeing spot for tourists, in Hong Kong January 14, 2014. Launched by the Hong Kong government over a decade ago to stimulate an economy battered by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis, the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has proved a hit with mainland Chinese who, though technically barred, see it as a means to invest money near home without the tight controls imposed by Beijing. Although governed by Beijing, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy. Picture taken January 14, 2014. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS SOCIETY IMMIGRATION CITYSCAPE) 

Mainland Chinese tourists view the Hong Kong skyline at the Peak in Hong Kong January 14, 2014. Launched by the Hong Kong government over a decade ago to stimulate an economy battered by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis, the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has proved a hit with mainland Chinese who, though technically barred, see it as a means to invest money near home without the tight controls imposed by Beijing. Although governed by Beijing, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy. Picture taken January 14, 2014. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS SOCIETY IMMIGRATION CITYSCAPE TRAVEL) 

A mainland Chinese businessmen views the Hong Kong skyline with binoculars at the Peak in Hong Kong January 14, 2014. Launched by the Hong Kong government over a decade ago to stimulate an economy battered by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis, the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has proved a hit with mainland Chinese who, though technically barred, see it as a means to invest money near home without the tight controls imposed by Beijing. Although governed by Beijing, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy. Picture taken January 14, 2014. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS SOCIETY IMMIGRATION CITYSCAPE) 

Mainland Chinese visitors tour the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a tourist spot for mainlanders, in this August 20, 2003 file photo. Beijing's decision in 2003 to allow its citizens to travel to Hong Kong gave the city, struggling with a recession after the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, a much needed boost as Chinese started spending their new found wealth. To match feature HONGKONG HANDOVER/ECONOMY REUTERS/Bobby Yip/Files (CHINA) 

- PHOTO TAKEN 09DEC05 - Customers eat organic food at a store in Taipei December 9, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of [avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003]. Picture taken December 9, 2005. 

- PHOTO TAKEN 07DEC05 - Huang Wen-liang holds an organic taro at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to [worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)], which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 7, 2005. 

- PHOTO TAKEN 08DEC05 - A sales assistant holds up a bottle of organic cooking oil at an organic grocery store in Taipei December 8, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries [of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people] in 2003. Picture taken December 8, 2005. 

- PHOTO TAKEN 07DEC05 - Huang Wen-liang displays some popular organic products at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of [avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people] in 2003. Picture taken December 7, 2005. 

- PHOTO TAKEN 07DEC05 - Huang Wen-liang displays fresh organic vegetables at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of [avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003]. Picture taken December 7, 2005. 

Customers eat organic food at a store in Taipei December 9, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 9, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

A sales assistant holds organic food products at an organic grocery shop in Taipei December 8, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 8, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

A sales assistant holds up a bottle of organic cooking oil at an organic grocery store in Taipei December 8, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 8, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

Customers buy organic groceries in Taipei December 8, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 8, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic. REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

Huang Wen-liang displays fresh organic vegetables at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 7, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

Huang Wen-liang displays some popular organic products at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 7, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

Huang Wen-liang holds an organic taro at his restaurant and grocery shop in Taipei December 7, 2005. More recently, eating healthy has become increasingly important due to worries of avian flu, which has killed around 70 people across Asia since 2003, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed around 800 people in 2003. Picture taken December 7, 2005. To match feature Food-Asia-Organic REUTERS/Jameson Wu 

An observer looks out of a window above two cleaners during a drill for the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong November 19, 2004. SARS is expected to emerge in China again this winter, but an epidemic is unlikely as the world's most populous country is better prepared this itme round, health officials say. REUTERS/Bobby Yip Pictures of the month November 2004 Pictures of the month November 2004 BY/CN 

A Vietnamese woman transports a chicken cage by bicycle in Hanoi on November 5, 2004. Vietnam must be on the possible return of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and fresh bird flu outbreaks in the coming winter, said doctor Hoang Thuy Long, head of the National institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology. REUTERS/Kham Kham/TW 

FACE MASKS ARE DISCARDED ON THE GROUND AS HOTEL WORKERS CELEBRATE IN BEIJING
AFTER WHO LIFTED TRAVEL ADVISORY ON THE CAPITAL CITY.

Face masks are discarded on the ground as hotel workers drink champagne
during celebrations in Beijing June 24, 2004, after the World Health
Organisation removed Beijing from its list of areas where SARS is continuing
to spread and also lifted its warning against travel to the capital city.
The announcement prompted celebrations in the heart of China's capital,
where just weeks ago people cowered at home in fear of contracting the virus
which has killed hundreds of their compatriots. REUTERS/Andrew
Wong 

FACE MASKS ARE DISCARDED ON THE GROUND AS HOTEL WORKERS CELEBRATE IN BEIJING
AFTER WHO LIFTED TRAVEL ADVISORY ON THE CAPITAL CITY.

Face masks are discarded on the ground as hotel workers celebrate in Beijing
June 24, 2004, after the World Health Organisation removed Beijing from its
list of SARS infected area and also lifted its warning against travel to the
capital city. The annoucement prompted celebration in the heart of China's
capital, where just weeks ago people cowered at home in fear of contracting
the virus which has killed hundreds of their compatriots.
REUTERS/Andrew Wong 

Bulgarian health ministry official displays the new infrared termographic camera for passengers control at Sofia airport on May 28, 2004. The system, which is the first in the Balkan country to detect body temperature higher than 37 degrees Celcius (98.6 degrees Farenheit) aims to spot dangerous infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov SN/AA 

Bulgarian health ministry official displays the new infrared thermographic camera for passengers control at Sofia airport on May 28, 2004. The system, which is the first in the Balkan country to detect body temperature higher than 37 degrees, aims to spot dangerous infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov SN/AA 

A protective suit used for guarding against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is displayed at a high-tech exhibition in Beijing May 26, 2004. China is scheduled to publish the initial outcome of the world's first clinical testing of a vaccine for SARS in Beijing. REUTERS/Wilson Chu WC/TW 

A passenger from Taiwan walks near a thermal scanner at the Manila International Airport April 28, 2004. The Philippines has tightened its watch on arriving passengers at all international airports after China reported four new suspected cases of the potentially deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Beijing, after the first reported death from the virus since a major outbreak last year. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco RR/FA 

Tourists walk past a thermal scanner used to detect passengers with fevers at Manila International airport April 28, 2004.The Philippines has tightened its watch on arriving passengers at all international airports after China reported four new suspected cases of the potentially deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Beijing, after the first reported death from the virus since a major outbreak last year. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco RR 

Travellers fill up health declaration forms before departing from Hong Kong airport April 23, 2004. A spokesman from China's Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday that one suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) case was reported in Beijing. The suspected patient, a nurse, has been transferred to Ditan Hospital to receive treatment. REUTERS/Kin Cheung KC/FA 

An airport staff collects health declaration forms from travellers at Hong Kong airport April 23, 2004. A spokesman from China's Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday that one suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) case was reported in Beijing. The suspected patient, a nurse, has been transferred to Ditan Hospital to receive treatment. REUTERS/Kin Cheung KC/FA 

A woman has her temperature taken at Hong Kong airport April 23, 2004 as a precaution against the SARS virus. China reported the first suspected case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Beijing since a deadly outbreak last year, saying on Thursday that a nurse was being treated for symptoms of the disease. REUTERS/Kin Cheung KC/FA 

A woman has a temperature check at Hong Kong airport April 23, 2004 as a precaution against the SARS virus. China reported the first suspected case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Beijing since a deadly outbreak last year, saying on Thursday that a nurse was being treated for symptoms of the disease. REUTERS/Kin Cheung KC/CP 

Canadian Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa, February 23, 2004. A Toronto nurse filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against all levels of government after contracting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. REUTERS/Jim Young JY 

Two Taiwanese women wearing face masks cross the street in Taipei on December 20, 2003. A Taiwan medical researcher at a military hospital has tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and authorities believe the 44-year-old man contracted the disease about two weeks ago in a laboratory where he worked. REUTERS/Richard Chung RC 

A young Taiwanese man dons a cartoon face mask walking on the street in Taipei on December 20, 2003. A Taiwan medical researcher at a military hospital has tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and authorities believe the 44-year-old man contracted the disease about two weeks ago in a laboratory where he worked. REUTERS/Richard Chung RC 

Two Taiwanese women wearing face masks cross the street in Taipei on December 20, 2003. A Taiwan medical researcher at a military hospital has tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and authorities believe the 44-year-old man contracted the disease about two weeks ago in a laboratory where he worked. REUTERS/Richard Chung RC 

A Taiwanese street performer uses a face mask while playing his bamboo flute in Taipei on December 20, 2003. A Taiwan medical researcher at a military hospital has tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and authorities believe the 44-year-old man contracted the disease about two weeks ago in a laboratory where he worked. REUTERS/Richard Chung RC 

Visitors and patients wear face masks at the Taipei Municipal Ho Ping Hospital, a designated hospital for SARS patients, December 18, 2003. A Taiwan medical researcher at a military hospital has tested positive for SARS. The 44-year-old man possibly contracted Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome about two weeks ago in a laboratory in the Taipei military hospital where he worked. REUTERS/Richard Chung RC/TW 

A student cleans the window in his high school classroom in Taipei on December 18, 2003, after a teacher's husband tested positive for SARS. The 44-year-old medical researcher possibly contracted Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome about two weeks ago in a laboratory in the Taipei military hospital where he worked. . REUTERS/Simon Kwong TW 

Shoppers stroll past the November 14, 2003 grand opening of a shopping
mall at the Taipei 101 tower, the world's tallest building. The
island's retail sector has mounted a strong recovery after suffering a
blow from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in April and May. The 508
metre (1,667 foot) Taipei 101 tower officially overtook Malaysia's
Petronas Towers in height on October 17. REUTERS/Richard Chung

TW/TW 

A shopper strolls past an advertisement at the November 14, 2003 grand
opening of a shopping mall at the Taipei 101 tower, the world's tallest
building. The island's retail sector has mounted a strong recovery
after suffering a blow from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in April
and May. The 508 metre (1,667 foot) Taipei 101 tower officially
overtook Malaysia's Petronas Towers in height on October 17.
REUTERS/Richard Chung

TW/TW 

Crowds throng the November 14, 2003 grand opening of a shopping mall at the Taipei 101 tower, the world's tallest building. The island's retail sector has mounted a strong recovery after suffering a blow from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in April and May. The 508 metre (1,667 foot) Taipei 101 tower officially overtook Malaysia's Petronas Towers in height on October 17. CPROD REUTERS/Richard Chung TW/TW 

Crowds throng the November 14, 2003 grand opening of a shopping mall at
the Taipei 101 tower, the world's tallest building. The island's retail
sector has mounted a strong recovery after suffering a blow from Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome in April and May. The 508 metre (1,667 foot)
Taipei 101 tower officially overtook Malaysia's Petronas Towers in
height on October 17. REUTERS/Richard Chung

TW/TW 

Senior citizens in Hong Kong wait for their flu vaccination at a hostel
in Hong Kong, November 10, 2003. The Hong Kong government, under the
(WTO) World Health Organisation's recommendation, is providing
vaccination for 80,000 elderly and disabled people to cut down the
number of flu cases this winter, hoping this will help the city detect
quickly any recurrence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),
which has flu-like symptoms. REUTERS/Kin Cheung

KC/DL 

Su Ih-jen, director-general of Taiwan's Centre for Disease Control,
speaks at the International Conference on Influenza and Resurgence of
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Taipei on October 30, 2003.
Su told the seminar attended by medical experts the island is bracing
for the return of SARS in the next two months and has mapped out a
comprehensive plan to deal with any outbreak. REUTERS/Richard Chung

RC/CP 

A masked health worker injects a homeless man with a flu vaccine in Taipei on October 29, 2003. The Taipei city government is trying to cut down the number of flu cases this winter, hoping this will help the city detect quickly any recurrence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which has flu-like symptoms. 

A masked health worker injects a homeless man with a flu vaccine in Taipei on October 29, 2003. The Taipei city government is trying to cut down the number of flu cases this winter, hoping this will help the city detect quickly any recurrence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which has flu-like symptoms. 

A masked health worker injects a homeless man with a flu vaccine in
Taipei on October 29, 2003. The Taipei city government is trying to cut
down the number of flu cases this winter, hoping this will help the
city detect quickly any recurrence of the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS), which has flu-like symptoms. REUTERS/Simon Kwong

TW/TW 

A masked health worker injects a homeless man with a flu vaccine in
Taipei on October 29, 2003. The Taipei city government is trying to cut
down the number of flu cases this winter, hoping this will help the
city detect quickly any recurrence of the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS), which has flu-like symptoms. REUTERS/Simon Kwong

TW/TW 

Patients wearing masks walk inside a public hospital in Hong Kong October 2,
2003. An expert panel probing Hong Kong's SARS on Thursday highlighted a
lack of communication between the government and public and private
hospitals and doctors, and there were significant shortcomings in the
government's initial response to the outbreak, but did not single out anyone
for blame. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

BY 

A Malaysian delegation waves while joining a parade to kick-off
Shanghai Tourism Festival September 13, 2003. China is eager to revive
its once-booming tourism industry, which was curbed when the Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome erupted in the country late April. China's
tourism revenue is expected to shrink by nearly half this year, the
first fall since 1989, due to the SARS outbreak, the official China
Securities Journal said. The country will earn 276.8 billion yuan ($33
billion) less from tourism this year than 2002 due to SARS, it quoted a
tourism official. REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV

CC 

Hotel workers join a parade to kick-off Shanghai Tourism Festival
September 13, 2003. China is eager to revive its once-booming tourism
industry, which was curbed during the SARS outbreak in April. China's
tourism revenue is expected to shrink by nearly half this year, the
first fall since 1989, due to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome) outbreak, the official China Securities Journal said. The
country will earn 276.8 billion yuan ($33 billion) less from tourism in
2003 due to SARS, it quoted a tourism official. REUTERS/Claro Cortes
IV

CC/FA 

A member of the Auckland Police Bagpipe Band shakes hands with Chinese
children while holding the New Zealand national flag during a parade to
kick-off Shanghai Tourism Festival September 13, 2003. China is eager
to revive its once-booming tourism industry, which was curbed during
the SARS outbreak in April. China's tourism revenue is expected to
shrink by nearly half this year, the first fall since 1989, due to the
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak, the official China
Securities Journal said. The country will earn 276.8 billion yuan ($33
billion) less from tourism in 2003 due to SARS, it quoted a tourism
official. REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV

CC 

The crowd cheers members of the Auckland Police Bagpipe Band
participating at a parade to kick-off Shanghai Tourism Festival
September 13, 2003. China is eager to revive its once-booming tourism
industry, which was curbed during the SARS outbreak in April. China's
tourism revenue is expected to shrink by nearly half this year, the
first fall since 1989, due to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome) outbreak, the official China Securities Journal said. The
country will earn 276.8 billion yuan ($33 billion) less from tourism in
2003, due to SARS, it quoted a tourism official. REUTERS/Claro Cortes
IV

CC/FA 

Dancers from Yunan province perform a "head-swinging" dance number
during a parade to kick-off Shanghai Tourism Festival September 13,
2003. China is eager to revive its once-booming tourism industry, which
was curbed during the SARS outbreak in April. China's tourism revenue
is expected to shrink by nearly half this year, the first fall since
1989, due to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)outbreak, the
official China Securities Journal said. The country will earn 276.8
billion yuan ($33 billion) less from tourism in 2003, less than last
year, due to SARS, it quoted a tourism official. REUTERS/Claro Cortes
IV

CC 

Health workers at Taipei's Chiang Kai Shek International Airport hand
out health forms to travellers from Singapore on September 10, 2003.
Asia was put on alert for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
after a man in Singapore tested positive for the deadly flu-like virus.
Taiwan has asked all travellers from Singapore to take their own
temperatures daily for 10 days. REUTERS/Simon Kwong

SK/FA 

Health workers at Taipei's Chiang Kai Shek International Airport hand
out health forms to travellers from Singapore September 10, 2003. Asia
was put on alert for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) after
a man in Singapore tested positive for the deadly flu-like virus.
Taiwan has asked all travellers from Singapore to take their own
temperatures daily for 10 days. REUETERS/Simon Kwong

SK/FA 

A Taipei airport worker sprays disinfectant on carpet in the arrivals
hall September 10, 2003 as foreign travellers walk past. Asia was put
on alert for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) after a man
in Singapore tested positive for the deadly flu-like virus. Taiwan has
asked all travellers from Singapore to take their own temperatures
daily for 10 days. REUTERS/Simon Kwong

SK/FA 

Tourists at Taipei's Chiang Kai Shek International Airport fill in
health forms September 10, 2003. Asia was put on alert for the Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) after a man in Singapore tested
positive for the deadly flu-like virus. Taiwan has asked all travellers
from Singapore to take their own temperatures daily for 10 days.
REUTERS/Simon Kwong

SK/FA 

A Chinese cyclist rides past an anti-SARS poster in Beijing September
10, 2003. A scientist in Singapore who tested positive for the SARS
virus in the world's first reported infection for three months on
Tuesday put Asia on alert for a resurgence of Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome. SARS virus spread to 30 countries earlier this year after
originating in southern China, infecting nearly 8,500 people globally
and devastating regional economies. The Chinese characters on the sign
read "Fight SARS with Science". REUTERS/Guang Niu

GN/DL