More WHO officials visit Guangdong

cctv.com 01-14-2004 09:21

A second joint team from the Chinese Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization have visited two suspected SARS patients and collected samples from their homes in Guangzhou.

The team will assist Guangdong provincial authorities investigating the source of the SARS virus and channels of infection.

Two suspected SARS cases tested

In southern China, World Health Organization officials are still waiting for the final results of tests on two suspected SARS cases. Lab test results and symptoms so far are compatible with the disease. The WHO is also suggesting the new suspected cases don't mean another outbreak of the deadly epidemic.

China had on Monday reported a third suspected case of SARS in a 35-year-old investor in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. A 20-year-old waitress in the city is also in hospital as a suspected case.

The World Health Organization indicates there's no immediate cause for alarm.

The WHO Spokesman said, "We see one confirmed and 2 suspected cases in a population of millions in southern China, they don't seem to be in any way connected with the other, the people around these cases are isolated and being looked after -- we don't see any signs of outbreak at this stage."

But the coming of the Chinese lunar new year is bringing a travel crush. WHO officials say maximum surveillance is needed to prevent any possible spread of the virus. The Chinese government has put several measures in place, such as temperature checks at train stations and airports.

Editor:Xiao  Source: