UPDATE ON 'SARS' (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) The last week of May was far from a bright spot on Toronto's calendar as 33 new probable 'SARS' cases were reported in the city and over 5,000 people were put under quarantine. Once considered 'under control' in Canada's largest city this newest outbreak apparently developed from the virus that had lingered unnoticed in hospitals for some time, and health officials are concerend that what they call this second 'SARS' occurance will get worse before they get it under control. Meanwhile the situation in Asia has improved, with the WHO (World Health Organization) removing both Hong Kong and Singapore from the list of 'no travel' destinations. This leaves Taiwan as the sole area outside mainland China where a travel ban remains in effect. The list of countries with active and to be determined 'SARS' cases as of June 1st: Country Cases Deaths Country Cases Deaths Canada 188 30 China 5,328 332 France 7 0 Germany 10 0 Hong Kong 1,739 278 Italy 9 0 Australia 6 0 Singapore 206 31 Spain 1 0 Switzerland 1 0 Taiwan 676 81 Thailand 8 2 UK 4 0 USA 66 0 Brazil 2 0 Macao 1 0 Columbia 1 0 Finland 1 0 India 3 0 Indonesia 2 0 Kuwait 1 0 Malaysia 5 0 Mongolia 9 0 New Zealand 1 0 Philippines 12 2 Ireland 1 0 Korea 3 0 Romania 1 0 Russia 1 0 South Africa 1 1 Sweden 3 0 Viet Nam 63 5 TOTAL CASES 8,360 TOTAL COUNTRIES 32 DEATHS 764 Links to both the CDC and WHO alerts follow. Click on any or all for more info:   http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/   http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm   http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/warden_notice.htm   http://www.who.int/csr/sars/map2003_06_02.gif HSMS urges everyone to consult with their doctor or local health authorities should they develop any of the symptoms listed in the alerts. If you don't you are not just risking your own health, but the health of your friends and loved ones. ©2001 ANBio - Associação Nacional de Biossegurança. All rights reserved.