The Department of Health has been maintaining daily contact with its Guangdong counterparts to stay abreast of the suspected SARS case in Guangzhou.

Noting that precautionary measures had been stepped up at all the immigration control points, the department said of the 500,000 travellers arriving from or departing for the Mainland yesterday, 13 had been found to have a fever and 39 were reported to be unwell.

None was admitted to hospital for further examination.

The department's SARS hotline, 187 2222, has received 86 enquiries since December 27.

To be safe, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once.

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

Preventive measures

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, see the SARS website.