Pupils from Hong Kong will be spending Easter away from their families following the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) virus.

The action follows news that a man, thought to be from Essex, was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford with Sars-like symptoms and transferred on Saturday to Addenbrookes in Cambridgeshire, where his condition was today said to be stable.

Colchester Royal Grammar School, in Lexden Road, has advised Hong Kong families to not allow their sons home for Easter due to the outbreak.

Ken Jenkinson, headteacher, said: "I contacted the parents last week to advise them not to allow their sons to travel home for Easter to Hong Kong and to stay with family friends or guardians.

"We have seven Hong Kong sStudents, who were planning to travel, and will be staying in England, either with family friends or guardians."

The Department for Health and World Health Organisation have advised against travel to Hong Kong and parts of China in a bid to contain the Sars, which has already claimed about 100 lives worldwide.

Essex University is also warning students and staff against travel, stating: "Staff and students working in or intending to travel to and from east and south-east Asia are advised to keep abreast of advice on Sars issued by the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation."

The main symptoms of Sars are a high fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may be present, including a headache, muscular stiffness or aching joints, loss of appetite, confusion, rash and diarrhoea.

Anyone concerned should immediately contact their GP or health centre.

Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette