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Toronto may face new SARS outbreak
   CCTV.COM   2003-05-26 15:05:37   

    Just about ten days ago, the World Health Organization said Canada was free of SARS, and removed Toronto from its list of SARS-affected areas. But now, it seems that this Canadian city will be affected by SARS once more.

    On May 25, Canadian health officials said they had detected six new probable cases of the potentially dead SARS virus, 26 suspected infections, and one confirmed case.

    Even though the disease has seemingly regained a foothold in Toronto, health care officials are confident they will prevail against the virus.

    Public Health Commissioner of Ontario Dr. Colin D'cuhna said, "We have faith and confidence in our front line health care workers in detecting SARS early, and faith and confidence in our public health system, and health care systems to catch and contain the disease."

    Doctors at Toronto's hospitals have isolated confirmed SARS patients, and are keeping close watch over potential cases. They are also working to draw links between patients -- something that's been a frustrating process for many doctors.

    Dr. Don Low, microbiologist from Chief Mount Sinai Hospital said, "Here we had a case occur. We don't know what the link is. We have to find out. Hopefully we'll find that link so we either can give better instructions for the future on how to prevent it, or to try to explain it at least."

    Canada, with 27 deaths, all of them in the Toronto area, is the only country outside Asia to report deaths from SARS. Toronto health officials said they would not be surprised if the WHO put the city back on its list of SARS-affected areas.


Editor: Inner Wu  CCTV.com


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