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

KUNMING, Feb. 28 (Chinese media) -- 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.