SARS hysteria is also spreading to Spain, a country where no infections by SARS have been reported yet. In the harbor of Barbate, in the Spanish province of Cadiz, the local population fears the import of the SARS virus.
Barbate, an important port in the catch of northern bluefin tuna, is currently harboring 3 Japanese boats, which are there for the seasonal catch of the bluefin, entering the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Like every year the Japanese’s boats, with about 50 Japanese crew members, call in the port of Barbate. However, the vessels came to Spain via the port of Shanghia, in China, and the local population is afraid one of the crew may have been infected there with SARS.
Although there is no sign or any evidence that any Japanese tuna fisherman has SARS related symptoms, the matter remains a worrisome issue for the locals. The City council has already announced that there is absolutely no reason for alarm. The local health authorities had examined the crew before entering and landing at the port, and all crew were found in good health.