IT comes as no surprise to the 250,000 UK people with ME that American researchers have identified a virus in people with the illness.

But what patients need is more effective treatments, prevention and a cure.

Before these can be found, the American study must be verified by independent experts. We also need to know if the virus causes ME, or if ME patients are just more susceptible to it.

This research requires proper Government funding.

Meanwhile, our charity offers free information to the newly diagnosed through our website, www.afme.org.uk and we are supporting two pilot projects which will lay the foundations for future genetic research.

Sir Peter Spencer

Chief executive, Action for ME