Fed: Aust says health system best in world to deal with SARS

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Fed: Aust says health system best in world to deal with SARS

The nation's top medical officer says there are strong chances of more SARS cases inAustralia in coming weeks.

Chief medical officer RICHARD SMALLWOOD has tried to allay fears that Australia couldn'tcope with a major SARS outbreak, saying all of the nation's health systems are on highalert.

He's among health officials who say the nation is one of the world's best preparedto combat SARS.

Worldwide, 236 people have died and more than 4,000 people have been infected by the virus.

And four people are under investigation for SARS in Australia.

Australian doctor PETER CAMERON, a professor of emergency medicine at Prince of WalesHospital in Hong Kong, has said Australia would struggle to cope with SARS.

And his claim's been backed by the director of microbiology at Sydney's Westmead Hospital,LYN GILBERT.

AAP RTV sw/wz/smb

KEYWORD: SARS AUST (CANBERRA)