Five new patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) were confirmed and seven more died in Hong Kong, according to a statement jointly issued by Hong Kong's Department of Health and the Hospital Authority.

As at 3 p.m. Thursday, there is an additional five patients confirmed to have SARS following admission to public hospitals earlier. They include one healthcare worker.

Meanwhile, seven patients died, bringing to 234 the total number of deaths relating to SARS.

A total of 1,160 patients have recovered from SARS and have been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, 32 were discharged on Thursday alone. There are now 309 patients in hospital, of whom 67 are recovering patients who are in convalescence and preparation for discharge.

Most of the patients currently in hospital are showing positive responses to the treatment protocol. Fifty-four patients are receiving treatment in intensive care unit.

The cumulative figure for patients who have been admitted to public hospitals with SARS since March 12 is 1,703.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2003)