The Lancet  
Apr 20, 2013  Volume 381  Number 9875  p1333 – 1430  e9
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Editorial
From SARS to H7N9: will history repeat itself?
The Lancet
Preview
China will never forget the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), for which it paid such a heavy and painful price a decade ago. According to WHO, from Nov 1, 2002, to July 31, 2003, 648 of the 7082 probable cases of SARS in mainland China and Hong Kong died. Many of the patients were front-line health workers. At that time, in the wake of its initial negative response to SARS, as well as proof of its fragmented and ineffective public health system, the Chinese Government’s international reputation and domestic credibility were seriously damaged.