Deadly New SARS Virus Kills Man In France: No Prevention Vaccine In Sight, World Health Organization Left ‘Empty-Handed’ [VIDEO]

A new SARS-like virus proved deadly when the virus killed a man in Paris, France, and the situation is alarming, as World Health Organization reported that there is "too little" understanding about this virus and its prevention.

On Tuesday, the French patient lost his life after contracting a new respiratory virus that is very similar to SARS, which killed nearly 800 patients and sparked a global epidemic in 2003.

So far, the new SARS-related virus has taken the lives of at least half the people who contracted it, and global health officials are frightened and alarmed by the new deadly virus's potential threat.

On Monday, Dr. Margaret Chan, leader of the World Health Organization, spoke of the virus's alarming threat at the annual Geneva meeting.

"We understand too little about this virus when viewed against the magnitude of its potential threat," Chan said. 

There are numerous unanswered questions regarding the disease and the new virus, and these unanswered questions are leaving health officials "empty-handed" in their attempt to prevent the virus from spreading to more people around the globe.

"We do not know where the virus hides in nature. We do not know how people are getting infected. Until we answer these questions, we are empty-handed when it comes to prevention. These are alarm bells. And we must respond." said Chan.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization reported that 20 out of the 40 patients who have contracted the disease had died because of the virus.

Patients who had the virus reportedly traveled to countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Britain, and Germany.

Not only did the Frenchman die due to the SARS-like illness after visiting the United Arab Emirates, but his roommate at the hospital also tested positive for the deadly disease.

See below for a video news report of the SARS-like virus.