SARS-like virus could mutate, China warns

BEIJING: A new virus that has killed nine people, infected hundreds and reached the United States could mutate and spread, China warned Wednesday as authorities urged people to steer clear of the city, at the heart of the outbreak.

HEALTH CHECK A quarantine officer checks the temperature of a passenger from China at the international airport in Manila. The Philippines tightened the screening of passengers as authorities probe its potential first case of the SARS-like virus that has infected hundreds in China. AFP PHOTO