In respond to the report of a Hong Kong newspaper that a suspected SARS case was found in Macao, the Health Bureau today (18 April) in a press release clarified that there is no suspected SARS cases found in Macao up to this point.

The patient to whom the report refers, according to the press release, may either be a twenty six year old narcotic user who suffers lung abscess, or a six year old sufferer of acute Otitis Media.

The Health Bureau stressed that Macao was in full alert of SARS and constant communication were maintain between relative departments namely the Health Bureau and the Fire Brigade. All necessary precautions would be taken when handling suspected SARS sufferer, say when ambulances were deployed for transportation.

The Health Bureau reiterated the transparency in handling SARS related information would be maintained and reaffirmed that the public would be informed immediately if any confirmed SARS case should be found.