FEARS over the Sars virus escalated in Redbridge after three suspected victims were referred to hospital.

Two people with symptoms worryingly similar to those associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome were referred by their GPs to Whipps Cross Hospital and one to King George. Hundreds more people have called on doctors for advice.

Gladys Xavier, nurse consultant working for the Health Protection Agency covering Redbridge and Waltham Forest, said: "Of the three cases we have had so far, one was clear while two had influenza A, which can be confused with Sars.

"We have had around 100 calls from local health professionals and the public for advice.

"GPs are advised to contact the local A&E department if they see patients with Sars-type symptoms who have been to affected areas in the past ten days.

"We are not complacent, though. Sars has the potential to be a major public health issue in the UK.

"What is in our favour is that the NHS has a highly effective public health network that swings into action at such times."

As Redbridge's public health services fine-tune contingency plans for a possible outbreak, bosses have moved to reassure residents that GPs, nurses and hospitals are being regularly updated about the virus. A Redbridge Primary Care Trust spokesman said: "Public health workers are being given all the latest medical information on Sars, the latest travel advice and on how to advise the public.

"Patients are advised not to use public transport to attend the hospital.

"Suspected cases are cared for in isolation rooms with all the relevant infection control precautions."

He said that across north east London NHS organisations were making sure they were prepared for any eventuality such as identifying isolation rooms in hospitals.

But he added: "We very much hope that our efforts to date will mean these will not be required."

May 1, 2003 10:00