The authorities appear to have learned the lessons of previous deadly virus outbreaks such as the H5N1 avian flu and Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and this time around have been quick to share information with the WHO.

BBC: The world response to flu crisis

She had been in cardiac and respiratory arrest for a prolonged period of time when the rescue team arrived.

NEWYORKER: The Checklist

The children were also screened to see if they had wheezing, asthma, upper respiratory infections, rhinitis, eczema or food allergies at the time of the test.

BBC: Doctors could predict which children are at risk of asthma

"If they start out with a lower level to begin with, because they've been compromised as a child, then the time at which they're at greater susceptibility for respiratory illness could be earlier in age and, potentially, as they get older, " said James Gauderman, an assistant professor of preventive medicine at USC.

CNN: Research finds smog could deal a blow to children's health

The waitress has to take time off work because her son is suffering from a terrible respiratory disease.

ECONOMIST: HMOs, the new nasties

His death came at a dark time for his hometown as Hong Kong was hit with the SARS epidemic (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

NPR: Fans Mark 10th Anniversary Of Leslie Cheung Death