The discovery of a new cluster outbreak of SARS in Toronto has cast into doubt the participation of the Canadian team in next month's Special Olympics.
Officials from the Department of Health were this morning considering Ireland's position, and a statement from the Department is expected shortly. The Canadian team is due to stay in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, for the games.
Canadian officials yesterday confirmed that eight new cases of the disease were discovered in an unknown cluster - with two of the eight having died. The death toll for the disease in Toronto now stands at 27.
The new cases have prompted US health officials to issue a new travel alert for Canada's largest city, which thought it had the virus under control.
The World Health Organization confirmed one new positive case but said more confirmation of an outbreak in Toronto was needed before considering such a travel warning.
Earlier this month the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, asked athletes from SARS-affected countries not to attend next month's Special Olympics. The decision affects more than 260 delegates from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines.