Taiwan Sars Case Brings New Jitters

Taiwan suffered flashbacks of face masks and public panic yesterday as the island reported its first confirmed case of Sars since the summer.

A medical researcher tested positive after working on the virus without following safety procedures, such as wearing gloves and a medical gown.

Although the authorities said it was an isolated case, the return of Sars prompted anxiety in Asia. The main stock index in Taipei fell 2.5% on fears of a repeat of the economic damage done by the disease earlier this year.

In Singapore, where the researcher was visiting last week, the health ministry issued quarantine orders on 70 people.