Pretoria — The South African Tourism yesterday said it was closely monitoring the situation following a suspected case of the deadly SARS virus in the country, in Pretoria.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is said to have originated in Asia, has already caused 103 deaths abroad and approximately 2 671 people have been infected.

The country's tourism marketing agency, said it was working closely with relevant authorities, including the Department of Health, provincial health authorities and the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA).

The 65 year old Pretoria man who recently returned from Hong Kong, was admitted to the Pretoria East Hospital on Monday night after development numerous flu-like symptoms and developing severe respiratory difficulties.

However, the results on whether the Pretoria is definitely infected with SARS will only be received next week.

Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) also said in a statement that its airports would respond effectively and appropriately to flights arriving with suspected SARS on an incoming or arriving flight

'We are confident that all crews flying into South Africa and the relevant personnel involved on the ground are exercising the vigilance necessary to monitor and contain the situation in order to protect other travelers and the people of South Africa as a whole,' said South African Tourism.

Meanwhile, a public help 24hour helpline (012) 422-2614 has been established for those persons seeking any information regarding the patient or the virus.