Hong Kong people must remain vigilant against another outbreak of SARS, Acting Deputy Director of Health Dr Regina Ching said today, noting that three television crew members had been admitted to Queen Mary Hospital with pneumonia symptoms. She added that Guangdong authorities had confirmed they have another suspected SARS case.

The television trio had symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, including fever, sore throat and phlegm when they were admitted to hospital yesterday. They had started feeling unwell on December 30th, after visiting a Guangdong hospital and markets selling wildlife.

Their fevers are now gone and their chest X-rays are clear. Test results that will show whether the illness is SARS or not are expected later today, Dr Ching said.

Other members of the television crew who accompanied them on their trip to Guangdong do not have any symptoms, nor do any of their family members or other close contacts.

Dr Ching said that since January 6, about 30 people who had come down with pneumonia symptoms after visiting Guangdong have been under close watch. 

Waitress suspected of having SARS in Guangdong hospital

This morning, the China Ministry of Health sent a report to the Department of Health to confirm they have a patient who is suspected to be suffering from SARS.

Her symptoms, mostly fever, began on December 26 and she was admitted to hospital on December 31. She works in a restaurant, although it was unclear whether she had been in contact with any animals, Dr Ching said.

Public urged to step up personal hygiene measures

The local community should be very vigilant about personal hygiene practices, Dr Ching said, whether they are in Hong Kong or visiting elsewhere.

"They have to be extra vigilant when entering hospitals or other high-risk areas," she said, noting they should don a mask and wash their hands frequently.

WHO experts heading to Guangdong

Speaking from Manila, World Health Organisation spokesperson Peter Cordingley told cable television that a team of five WHO experts is heading to Guangdong.

They'll be looking for any animal, human or environment connection that could account for how the recent confirmed SARS case there - a 32-year-old freelance television reporter - came down with the virus.

The man has fully recovered and been discharged from hospital.

The WHO experts may spend up to two weeks in the province.