SARS fear at Ontario residence
By KEVIN CONNOR, TORONTO SUN
Two recent deaths caused by an undiagnosed respiratory illness at an Etobicoke seniors' home have sparked fears that SARS has returned. Two homes for the elderly are currently labelled "hot spots," and paramedics are back to wearing full protective SARS gear to enter the facilities, ambulance union representative Jerry Dobson said.
"We don't know if the (recent) deaths are a SARS scare or the real thing," Dobson said.
The World Health Organization has warned that SARS may return this winter.
Toronto Public Health is still investigating the cause of the two deaths on Saturday at Kipling Acres on Kipling Ave.
If the cause of the deaths is influenza, there are tests that can quickly determine that, said Dr. Donald Low, a leader on the province's SARS containment team.
Two floors at Lakeshore Lodge seniors' home on Lakeshore Blvd. W. have also been labelled respiratory hot spots, Dobson said.
This may be the first in a string of SARS scares, Low said, adding, "I'm not thinking the worst."
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