Four of those infected have died, while eight have recovered and been discharged from local hospitals, according to the latest SARS release by the municipal health bureau.

The city's first imported case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was reported in early March.

Beijing's health authority has ordered intense epidemic control measures. A monitoring network has been set up to track the epidemic and report developments. A team of 13 medical experts has also been organized to give instructions to the general public, the bureau said.

In addition, the health authority has mobilized a survey team comprised of 2,500 medical staff which will visit households of suspected patients or those who are at high risk to share knowledge and information on SARS prevention and control.

In the meantime, the city has implemented massive sterilization policies in public venues, according to the bureau.

(People's Daily April 15, 2003)