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No evidence of epidemic found after workers get sick in SW China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-28 22:14

KUNMING - Tests did not show why one person died and nine others at the same work place became sick in Lanping County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

"No evidence was found to substantiate an epidemic through tests of the patient's blood and urine samples as well as tests of the drinking water," the county's health bureau said in a statement released Saturday.

All of the patients were workers at a construction site near Biyuhe Village in Lanping County. They developed symptoms including numb limbs, dizziness, fever, diarrhea and vomiting nearly a month ago.

As of Saturday, one person had died and three others had life-threatening conditions. The other five were under medical observation.

Local health authorities were investigating the cause of their illness, but failed to draw a conclusion.

Yunnan provincial health authorities have sent experts to assist with medical treatment and the investigation.