The number of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases in Beijing may be in decline starting from the end of next week, a renowned medical scientist was quoted as saying by Tuesday's China Daily.

The SARS virus lasted roughly four months from its discovery to the decline from the peak period, said Zhong Nanshan, director of the Guangzhou Respiratory Disease Research Institute.

Zhong's prediction, revealed earlier this week after delivering a report to various officials, is based on the experience of fighting SARS in South China's Guangdong Province.

Zhong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has been devoted to the cause since late last year.

But he said it still needs another week before a firmer prediction can be made.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2003)