In China, a suspected SARS patient in Guangzhou, capital city of the southern Guangdong Province, has been under intensive treatment for the past five consecutive days. Now his condition is stable, and all SARS symptoms gone. Also on Monday, an expert from the World Health Organization arrived in the city to help with medical tests.

The suspected SARS patient is a 32 year-old freelance TV reporter. His SARS symptoms have all disappeared during the past five days of treatment. His body temperature has remained normal with no coughing or headaches. Blood sample tests have been normal, and he has an improved appetite. The shadow on his lungs has gradually disappeared.

The municipal government has stepped up quarantine work at all customs ports and public areas.

42 people who had close contact with the patient, and 39 others who had normal contact with the patient, are all normal. Six out of the 39 have been released from isolated medical observation.

An expert from the World Health Organization arrived in Guangzhou on Monday to provide assistance in conducting tests on the suspected SARS case. He said that there is no need to panic. It was the first suspected SARS case since May 23 when WHO lifted the SARS travel advisory against Guangdong Province.

(CCTV.com December 30, 2003)