Four more persons were confirmed to have contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and three SARS patients have died in Hong Kong as at 1 p.m. Sunday, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority announced.

The deaths, including a man and two women, brought to 215 the total number of deaths relating to SARS.

A total of 1059 patients have recovered. Of them, 24 were discharged Sunday.

There are now 404 patients in hospital, of whom 78 are recovering patients who are in convalescence and preparation for discharge.

Most of the patients currently in hospital are showing positive responses to the treatment protocol. Sixty-three patients are receiving treatment in intensive care unit, according to the announcement.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2003)