SARS suspect shows no apparent sign of discomfort

The New Zealander under observation for SARS at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in New Delhi is showing no apparent sign of discomfort.

His body temperature is normal and he has not complained of breathlessness.

His blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases on Thursday and another set was sent for repeat tests on Saturday morning. "We are awaiting the final report. Nothing can be said with finality yet," a hospital source said.

On Saturday morning, during a visit to the RMLH isolation ward, where the New Zealander is under observation, this reporter saw him pacing up and down the ward corridor.

A tall, robust man, dressed in a white T-shirt and blue shorts, he looked in good health. The mask on his face was the only visible indication of his being a SARS suspect.

There was no watch at the isolation ward gate when this reporter sneaked in. It was the New Zealander who alerted the medical staff on duty about the 'visitor'.

The on-duty staff refused to make any comments on the New Zealander's condition. An official version, they said, would be available later in the day from the SARS Control Room headed by Dr B M Dass.