New York City has only seven suspected SARS cases, but an outbreak here would severely tax a tight budget.

FORBES: OutFront

American authorities responded quickly to contain the spread of SARS, now at 149 suspected cases in 31 states.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: SARS A threat to homeland security

Also last Sunday, health officials disclosed a SARS figure for the capital 346 confirmed and 402 suspected cases that was much closer to the truth than the 37 cases reported just a day earlier.

CNN: Lessons from China's SARS debacle