The suspected SARS case in southern China has not been upgraded
to a confirmed case so far and remains a suspected case only, the
World Health Organization (WHO) said in Beijing Tuesday night
through its China office.
WHO said in a press release late Tuesday that laboratory experts
from the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH), top scientific
institutes in Beijing and the WHO have reviewed the latest test
results carried out on the patient in Guangzhou, and have
determined that the results remain inconclusive.
"Consequently, experts recommend that further tests are needed,"
said the organization in the press release.
It said the Chinese Health Ministry has decided that samples
will be sent to a laboratory that is part of the WHO international
reference network. "WHO believes that carrying out tests at
multiple labs enhances the testing process," according to the press
release.
A joint MOH-WHO expert team arrived in Guangzhou Monday
afternoon. WHO said that the epidemiological investigation
continues in Guangdong Province.
According to the Chinese Health Ministry, the 32-year-old male
patient remains isolated in hospital. His condition is stable, and
his temperature has been normal for the past several days.
All his relevant human contacts identified so far are well. Some
have already been removed from medical observation. Others remain
in quarantine, but expect to be released over the next few days as
the 14-day observation period mandated by China's health
authorities draws to a close.
WHO said ever since it was informed of the case on December
26,2003, the Chinese Health Ministry and the Chinese Center for
Disease Control and Prevention have met daily with WHO officials,
and provided a comprehensive list of information, including the
patient's clinical history and test results.
(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2003)