GENEVA - The World Health Organisation urged countries to be vigilant over the spread of a potentially fatal Sars-like virus after a new case in Britain brought the global number to 12. "Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns," the UN health agency said. AFP
WASHINGTON - Arizona Senator John McCain said that his Republican party colleagues will drop tactics to delay a vote on former Senator Chuck Hagel to be defence secretary and said President Barack Obama's nominee likely has sufficient support to be confirmed into this key post. He was talking to NBC's Meet the Press programme. Democrats, who control the Senate, have scheduled a vote for February 26. Reuters