Health Minister Chua Jui Meng today warned that a protracted Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) outbreak could lead to a shortage of medical staff in dedicated hospitals.

He said the shortage, which would include doctors, was a "logical consequence" since about 70 personnel are assigned to the special units set up in each hospital to treat the disease.

The minister also pleaded with patients in other wards who felt deprived of medical attention to "bear with us".

"We must overcome this threat first," he told reporters at the Penang General Hospital after the disease claimed another life in the country this morning.