A Hong Kong man who fell ill following a trip to Saudi Arabia is not infected by a new respiratory virus related to Sars, the Centre for Health Protection said on Wednesday afternoon.
A centre spokesman said a nasal specimen and throat swab taken from the patient both tested negative for the new coronavirus associated with Sars.
The 59-year-old man, who has underlying illnesses, came down with fever, coughing and shortness of breath on Tuesday.
He was admitted to the isolation ward at Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday and is reported in stable condition.
The patient, who lives in Hong Kong, travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on October 9 and then to Medina and Mecca. He returned to Hong Kong last Thursday.
He was not exposed to wild animals during his stay in the Gulf nation, and none of his travelling companions or home contacts show any symptoms, the centre said.