Guangdong's top leader Zhang Dejiang has called on the provincial health department to set up an emergency experts group to investigate the causes and sources of the "atypical pneumonia" and take measures to curb the spread of the disease and further fatalities.

Of 305 people so far struck down by the disease, some 105 of them are medical workers, an official at the Guangdong Department of Health said.

He denied Hong Kong press reports that the disease was caused by the deadly anthrax bacteria. "This is not caused by anthrax. Experts are still investigating the cause and source of the virus," he said.

Of the total number stricken by the disease 59 have already recovered and left hospital.

Doctors in the province are urging citizens to immediately seek medical help if they develop symptoms of the air-borne, communicable virus that includes fever, dizziness, muscle soreness and bouts of coughing.

Cool weather in the area favored the spread of the disease, one doctor told the Xinkuai Express, as a wide difference in daily temperatures also worked to lower the immune systems of those susceptible to the disease.

Residents were urged to maintain good air circulation in their homes, fumigate their rooms with a vinegar-based steam wash and stay away from crowded areas such as shopping centers and train stations.

Government circulars also urged citizens not to panic.

According to the Xinkuai daily, fear of the virus had gripped large parts of urban areas in the province, with the prices of surgical masks and vinegar rising in some areas by 20 times.

(China Daily February 11, 2003)