(file photo)

From the AP:

PARIS – French health officials announced today that fourteen cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (commonly known as SARS) have been reported this week in outlying areas of Paris. Officials deny rumors that an outbreak similar to that seen in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia in the 2003 is imminent. However, sources close to the ministry of health report that travel restrictions could be in place by the end of the week. While no restrictions are official, the World Health Organization is advising unnecessary travel to Paris should be avoided.