Beijing: As China struggled to contain the spread of the sweeping Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, the virus claimed 9 more lives taking the toll to 106 in the country as the government shut schools for a fortnight and intensified measures to track down those with symptoms of the epidemic.

According to latest SARS statistics announced by China's ministry of health, in addition to the death of 106 patients, a total of 2,305 confirmed SARS cases had been reported on the Chinese mainland by April 22.

The situation in Beijing seems to be worsening with 105 fresh cases of the deadly epidemic reported and 7 deaths during the last 24 hours.

In the Hong Kong special administrative region of China, 6 more people died during the last 24 hours, taking the final toll to 105. There were 24 new cases of SARS in the Chinese territory, the worst hit city in the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) imposed a travel warning in Hong Kong after a outbreak of the virus in an apartment complex. More than 300 residents were infected. The WHO team was trying to ascertain theories that the disease may have spread by sewage leaks or personal contact or rats.

PTI