A mystery respiratory illness which has struck the Seven Oaks nursing home in Toronto has claimed its 16th life, six deaths happened yesterday. A health official said the outbreak was under control.

Authorities are sill mystified at the cause of the outbreak. All they know so far is that it is not Avian Flu, SARS, Legionnaire’s Disease or Flu Type A or B. Officials said it is possible they may never be able to identify the exact type of virus or bacterium.

Over 120 people have been affected, of which 38 are still in hospital, many of them extremely weak and frail.

According to officials, the disease is contained and is not a threat to the general public. Although the nursing home buildings and grounds have not been quarantined (officially), for several days now visitors have not been allowed.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today