Reading between the lines, it is quite clear that the Guangzhou patient is positive for SARS CoV (many times in many tests), but without an epi-link, WHO is working overtime on ways to discount the confirming lab data. The in-between the lines are in the comments below
"Researchers had yet to draw a clear contact link for the man in Guangdong, but the WHO's representative in China, Henk Bekedam, told Reuters if there was one, the case for SARS would be stronger.
"If he would be a lab worker, then for sure a lot of red flags would be there," he said. "But the lab results on their own are inconclusive."
Appearing on Hong Kong Cable Television, Zhong Nanshan, one of China's top respiratory experts, said some tests showed the patient was infected with SARS.
"Yesterday, in Beijing, we conducted a comprehensive test... The comprehensive test, which included tests on the patient's serum and antibodies, showed the patient was infected with the SARS virus," he said.
"There is not a very obvious origin of infection. If there is a case in the community, we need to be very careful in confirming it. That's a main reason why up to now the case has still not been confirmed."
31 Dec 2003 09:59:34 GMT
WRAPUP 2-China to send samples abroad for more SARS tests
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(Adds WHO quotes)
By John Ruwitch
BEIJING, Dec 31 (Reuters) - China will send samples from a suspected SARS patient abroad for tests after researchers were unable to confirm whether the man has the deadly virus, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday.
The decision was likely to delay a final diagnosis -- if any is possible -- on the 32-year-old television producer in hospital in the southern province of Guangdong with symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
The Health Ministry said in a statement the case could not be confirmed as of 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday. |
