(Image Source: BBC )

By: Brian Bondus

A Saudi-Arabian man has died because of a “SARS”-like virus, and now health officials are issuing a warning.  You might remember, SARS, short for severe acute respiratory syndrome killed around 800 people in 2003 in a global outbreak, mostly in Asia.   NBC News reports, there are some similarities.

This new disease is part of the Coronaviruses family, a large family of viruses which includes the common cold and SARS. Currently a Qatari man is in London being treated for the disease.

Since the family of viruses includes the common cold, but also SARS, the authorities are taking the threat very seriously, but an analyst for Sky News says not to get too worked up yet.

“It seems like a fairly normal member of that family and, at this moment anyway, certainly not like the SARS virus.”

But after the outbreak about a decade ago, Saudi Arabian officials are planning to err on the side of caution.  The BBC explains how they are dealing with the scare.

“Anyone who returns from Qatar or Saudi Arabia with severe respiratory issues must be managed in strict isolation. Anyone who comes back with severe symptoms should contact their doctor.”

Saudi Arabia is holding a largest festival in the world next month, the Hajj Pilgrimage.   Officials are advising people to wear masks and wash their hands every chance they get.

“The Hajj has previously sparked outbreaks of diseases including flu, meningitis and polio.”