WHILE the global effort to keep the Sars virus in check goes on, we can't help feeling that some of the reaction to it in Britain begs a health warning.

The thought occurs to us after a student at a Malvern boarding school was given a hospital examination at the weekend, when her temperature rose.

It has prompted one parent to claim that girls returning from the Far East should have been isolated, rather than being subjected to twice-daily checks for early symptoms of the respiratory condition.

While we wouldn't criticise any parent for being concerned, we believe Malvern Girls' College's response to the crisis has been sensible and measured.

Indeed, the success of the school's approach is illustrated by the fact that the sick pupil was quickly whisked away for full medical tests.

While the prospect of an unchecked outbreak turning in to a pandemic is scary, the threat to Britain needs to be given perspective.

Reported cases of probable infections worldwide are estimated at around 4,800. Reported deaths from the virus, so far, amount to 319.

We wouldn't be surprised if more people were lost to the effects of the cold, or to flu, in Britain every winter.

Indeed, although this isn't backed by any statistical evidence, this morning's Front Page picture - and the accident on Friday which prompted - suggests more people in Worcestershire have a chance of being hit by a bus than succumbing to Sars.