Taiwan's Centre for Disease Control has confirmed that a 40-year-old Taiwanese passenger put under hospital isolation after returning from Beijing via Hong Kong last night had preliminary negative laboratory results for SARS. His six colleagues have no SARS symptoms and are under medical surveillance.

His six colleagues are asymptomatic and put under medical surveillance.

The Taiwan passenger traveled from Beijing to Hong Kong on Air China flight CA 109 and from Hong Kong to Taipei on Cathay Pacific fligh tCX 402 on April 24.

The Department of Health approached the Taiwan health authority after learning that the Taiwan passenger who had been on board these two flights developed fever after returning to Taiwan.

Seek medical help if you develop symptoms

Passengers who were on board these two flights can call the department's hotline, 187 2222, for health advice.

While the Taiwanese passenger has had a negative preliminary laboratory result for SARS, travelers on board CA 109 and CX 402 on April 24 can call the hotline if they are concerned about their health.

Those who have developed respiratory symptoms including fever, chills and cough should seek medical treatment immediately.

The department said it will maintain close contact with the Taiwan health authority on the situation.

The hotline will be operated to 9pm today and between 9 am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.

Members of the public who have respiratory symptoms or are feeling unwell should avoid traveling by plane before recovery.

Preventive measures

The department reminded the public to adopt the following precautionary measures to prevent respiratory tract infection:

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

* Maintain good ventilation;

* Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation;

* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.