The task force, which took a round-the-clock control of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) after the first SARS infection case in Macao was confirmed on May 10, said the reagent recommended by the World Health Organization will arrive in seven days.

As soon as the test reagent arrives, Macao will be able to conduct the PCR test, said Koi Kuok Ieng, director of the Health Service.

The reagent can be used to assist the diagnosis of SARS by detecting coronavirus in respiratory secretion samples, he said.

Macao has placed an order of the reagent and affiliated outfits worth 420,000 patacas (US$50,600), and will send medical staff to the Hong Kong Health Department to learn techniques of using the reagent, Kui said.

Macao has been depending on the Hong Kong Health Department for PCR tests, which helped verify the first SARS case in Macao.

The patient, a 29-year-old air-conditioner maintenance worker, is recovering under isolation treatment in the government-run hospital of Macao.

He is expected to leave the hospital in two to three weeks if everything goes well, said Lei Chin Ion, head of the hospital.

A Nigerian businessman living in Taiwan was sent to the hospital for observation on Thursday after he was stopped at the departing stand of the Macao International Airport to take body temperature, which suggested a fever of 38 degree Celcius.

The 38-year-old man took the EVA Airways flight BR805 earlier on April 14 from Taipei to Macao, when he was measured at 39.8 degree Celsius. He was discharged after X-rays showed no signs of pneumonia.

The man was considered unfit for travel and remained in the hospital for further observation. The health authority has warned the Airline company to notify passengers aboard the flight to mind their health and seek medical help if they show symptoms.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2003)