Toronto, Apr 24: Canada's health authorities were on alert today after China announced four confirmed or suspected Sars cases, one of whom died from the disease which killed 44 Canadians last year. Severe Acute Respiratory Sydrome has returned to haunt China after killing nearly 800 people last year in a global health crisis.
Canada, particularly the area around Toronto, was one of the worst effected regions outside Asia.
Canada introduced new quarantine and surveillance procedures after that outbreak, which remain in place today, said health Canada spokeswoman Aggie Adamczyk.
Quarantine officers have the power to board arriving planes at 10 Canadian airports and assess incoming passengers showing signs of respiratory illness, she said.
"We are continuing to monitor the situation internationally and locally," she said, adding that border officers were remaining "vigilant" over any arriving foreigners from Asia and around the world who appeared unwell.
China today announced four confirmed or suspected Sars cases, one of whom had died.
Bureau Report