**********************************

Referring to the case in which a female patient was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) last (September 15) night, a spokesman for the Department of Health stressed that the case has not yet been classified as a suspected case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). More tests would have to be conducted before a conclusion could be drawn.

"PMH has taken samples from the patient for further tests. In the morning, the samples will be sent to the laboratory of the Department of Health for quick tests and initial results will hopefully be available by noon today," the spokesman said. He added that both the department and the Hospital Authority would take all precautionary measures.

The patient, who has no travel history, presented shortness of breath symptoms on September 8. She was admitted to Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital two days later and was transferred to PMH last night.

The patient's daughter, who is living with her, and the patient's parents, whom the patient has visited recently, are all in good health and they are asymptomatic.

End/Tuesday, September 16, 2003

NNNN