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The condition of the 32-year-old suspected SARS patient in Guangzhou is improving and his temperature has been normal for the sixth consecutive day, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (December 30).

The spokesman said the DH was maintaining daily contact with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on this suspected SARS case. "We understand that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Mainland health experts are jointly looking into case."

Noting that precautionary measures had been stepped up at all the immigration control points, the spokesman said that of the 500,000 travellers arriving from or departing for the Mainland yesterday, 14 had been found to have a fever and 62 were reported to be unwell. Among these people, four were referred to hospitals for further examination.

"But none of them was suspected of having contracted SARS or admitted for treatment," the spokesman said.

The DH's SARS hotline 187 2222 has received 48 enquiries from December 27 to 12pm today.

"For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," the spokesman said.

The DH has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.

"We have also sent letters to all Chinese medicine practitioners to advise them to be vigilant. Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.

For prevention of respiratory tract infection, the public is advised to adopt the following precautions:

* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;

* Maintain good ventilation;

* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;

* Consult a doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms develop;

* Put on a mask if suffering from respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others; and build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a proper diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

For further information on SARS, please visit the website: www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/eindex.htm.

Ends/Tuesday, December 30, 2003

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