Sars scare in Nepal

By Sushil Sharma
BBC correspondent in Kathmandu

The Nepalese authorities have stepped up precautionary moves against the mysterious respiratory disease, Sars.

The move follows reports that a child has died of the suspected Sars virus.

The authorities say they are investigating whether it is the first Sars death in the country.

Newspaper reports say the two-year-old boy died in hospital after developing Sars-like symptoms.

Screening

A health ministry spokesman said that travellers crossing over from the northern borders with China would be medically screened at the Tatopani border post.

Such screening has already been in place at Kathmandu airport, for passengers arriving from Hong Kong and Singapore.

The two east Asian cites, along with China, are among the worst affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

Large numbers of Nepalis live in the two cities.

The authorities said that any one suspected of carrying the virus would be immediately referred to local hospitals.

Special beds have been set aside for potential carriers of the deadly virus.