According to the China's Ministry of Health's newly revised SARS diagnosis criteria, some patients, particularly those who recently had a surgical operation or other diseases, don't typically start with a fever.

The new criteria also says diagnosis should be based on whether a patient has been to a region which has SARS cases, not just a city as stated previously.

The new criteria also includes a definition of the most serious stage of the illness as well as criteria for discharging.

All those experiencing a fever, even if not caused by SARS, should be observed and isolated to ensure that they are treated at an early stage and not spreading the virus to other people.

(Cri.com May 5, 2003)