Three new patients with SARS and four more deaths were confirmed in Hong Kong, according to a statement jointly issued by Hong Kong's Department of Health and the Hospital Authority.
As of 1 p.m. Friday, an additional three patients, including one healthcare worker, had confirmed to have SARS following admission to public hospitals earlier.
A total of 1171 patients have recovered from SARS and have been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, 11 were discharged on Friday alone. There are now 232 active cases under treatment in hospitals, of whom 52 patients are in intensive care unit.
Most of the patients currently in hospital are showing positive responses to the treatment protocol. In addition, 65 are recovering patients in convalescence and in preparation for discharge.
Four patients had died, bringing to 238 the total number of deaths relating to SARS.
The cumulative figure for patients who have been admitted to public hospitals with SARS since March 12 is 1706.
(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2003)
