An outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, was first recognized in November 2002. There followed a worldwide spread of this new infection now called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). On 12 March 2003, the World Health Organisation issued a global alert about cases of SARS and the possible spread of infection to hospital staff. With commendable speed, the Chinese State Post Bureau issued a postage stamp on 19 May 2003 entitled ‘United as One in Fighting SARS’. The stamp's designer took his inspiration from ‘No’ traffic signs. The income from the sale of these stamps will be donated to projects combating SARS. Just as the condom became the symbol of the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), so the face mask is destined to become the symbol of SARS.
