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The Department of Health said the World Health Organization has sent it samples for testing from the patient in Guangdong who is suspected to have contracted Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
"The laboratory tests are proceeding and results will be reported back to the World Health Organization for analysis and interpretation," a spokesman for the Department of Health said today (January 2).
The spokesman added that the department continued to maintain close contacts with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on this suspected SARS case.
Precautionary measures have been stepped up at all immigration control points. The spokesman said that yesterday, nine people at control points were found to be suffering from fever and 45 people reported feeling unwell.
Six people were referred to hospitals for further examination. "But none of them was suspected of having contracted SARS, and only one of them was admitted for treatment. The condition of this patient is stable," the spokesman said.
Up until 12pm today, the Department of Health SARS hotline - 187 2222 - had received 79 enquiries since December 27. The hotline operates during normal office hours.
"For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever or 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 should remain on guard and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
* Maintain good personal and environmental 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 infecting others; and
* Build up bodily immunity by maintaining a balanced 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/Friday, January 2, 2004
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