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)