There have now been almost 4, 000 probable cases of Sars worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

BBC: Sars risk to NI 'minimal'

So far the effect of SARS on the UK has been limited to just three probable cases, none of which has proved fatal.

BBC: Fears over UK killer bug epidemic

In the United States, public-health officials at first feared they had around 200 cases but on April 17th the number of probable cases was revised down to just 35.

ECONOMIST: Still spreading | The

In Washington state, a pediatrician who saw 22 patients and their parents Monday is among 13 people that public health authorities say have "probable" cases of swine flu.

CNN: Confirmed swine flu cases leap

Across Canada, 274 probable or suspect cases have been reported, up from 266, Health Canada said on Saturday.

BBC: Sars death toll pushes higher

There were 113 cases of definite or probable vCJD in the UK between 1996, when doctors distinguished it as a new form of the rare brain-wasting disease CJD, and 3 December.

BBC: Clutch of vCJD cases unrelated