New Delhi: Government on April 11 said "unnecessary" media hype on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak could create panic in the country and advised that the "suspected" cases of the disease should not be reported as confirmed ones.

"Only the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and National Institute of Virology (NIV) can confirm whether a patient has acquired the virus or not," Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sushma Swaraj said while inaugurating the "Safe Motherhood Day" programme.

She said, "Speaking without authorised confirmation can only harm the situation."

When asked about the suspected SARS cases reported from various parts of the country, she said only cases confirmed by the government should be termed as those carrying the virus.

"One should desist from creating unnecessary hype on the issue," Swaraj said.

The Minister also expressed confidence about the government's preparedness about dealing with the epidemic, which has claimed more than a 100 lives worldwide.

PTI