Press Release No. 187-03
24 April 2003
SARS
VICTIM ALIVE IN CANADA
Contrary to some media reports, the Filipino doctor who was supposed to
have died from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is alive, although still
in hospital for SARS, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto.
The doctor suffered from SARS after treating an elderly member of a Filipino
Catholic charismatic group in Canada.
According to PCG Acting Head Edgar B. Badajos, he spoke with the brother
of the doctor who is also based in Toronto and confirmed that the doctor is
alive but is still under intensive care in Sunnybrook Hospital.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that while he "does not doubt
the threat posed by SARS," he said it is important that "we do not create
panic by mistakenly increasing the number of victims."
"Let us be considerate of the families of the victims. We should be certain
of the accuracy of our information," the Secretary said.
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto reports that, as of 18 April
2003, there were a total of 304 reported probable or suspect cases of SARS
in Canada. 14 have died while 109 people who have been treated as suspect
cases or probable cases, have already been discharged from hospitals in Ontario.
The Consulate is working closely with the Toronto Public Health Office in
disseminating information about SARS to the members of the Filipino community.
An information session is scheduled by the TPHO on 25 April 2003 in cooperation
with the PCG, Filipino community centers, associations, and volunteers.