WHO says recent SARS virus less contagious

cctv.com 01-16-2004 13:21

The head of the WHO team in Guangdong says the recently discovered SARS virus in the province is seemingly less contagious than last year's strain. This view has also been echoed by a SARS expert in Hong Kong University.

The only confirmed SARS patient in Guangdong recovered and was released from hospital last week, and the other two suspected cases are both in stable condition.

The WHO expert view is supported by tests in Hong Kong University. The leading SARS expert at the University, Guan Yi, says the SARS virus this year is not a descendant of last year's, and its transmission ability is low. But WHO officials have stressed that it is still too early to tell.

The joint working group formed by China's Health Ministry and the WHO is still in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, to identify the sources of SARS.

The two suspected SARS patients, a 20-year-old waitress and a 35-year-old investor, are recovering without any fever. None of the 128 people who have come in contact with them had any symptoms. The only confirmed patient returned home with a clean bill of health last week.

Editor:Xiao  Source:CCTV.com