The 32-year-old suspected SARS patient in Guangzhou remains in stable condition and his temperature has been normal for the fifth day in a row.

The World Health Organisation has sent a health team to Guangzhou to assist the local health professionals. The Department of Health is maintaining daily contact with its Guangdong counterpart and the WHO to obtain the latest information on this suspected SARS case.

8 travellers found with fevers - but not SARS

Precautionary measures had been stepped up at all the immigration control points. Of the 500,000 travellers arriving from or departing for the Mainland yesterday, eight had a fever and 71 were reported to be unwell.

Of them, six were referred to hospitals for further examination. But none was suspected of having contracted SARS. Only one was admitted for treatment and is in stable condition.

The department's SARS hotline, 187 2222, received 36 enquiries from December 27 to 12pm today.

For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once, the department said.

It has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.

All Chinese medicine practitioners are also advised to be vigilant.

Precautionary measures to avoid virus spread

For prevention of respiratory tract infection, the public is advised to adopt the following precautions:

* maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;

* maintain good ventilation;

* avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;

* consult a doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms develop;

* wear a mask if you have a respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of spreading it to others; and

* build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a proper diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.