Four Prince of Wales Hospital patients and a staff member who fell ill with respiratory symptoms earlier this week have tested negative to SARS.

The cases of three of the patients, aged 49 to 76, and the staff member were reported to the Centre for Health Protection on January 18, while the fifth case, involving a 90-year-old woman, was notified today.

One patient tested positive for adenovirus type-1. The patients are in stable condition, with three being treated in isolation wards. The other was discharged today. The staff member has recovered.

The Centre has interviewed and provided health advice on personal hygiene and environmental hygiene to 92 exposed patients and their visitors. None have developed compatible symptoms. Further tests are being conducted.