Bird flu hits three Asian countries
Bird flu hits three Asian countries
Bird flu has re-emerged in Asia with human infections and dead ducks reported in three countries, sparking concerns of a possible pandemic that could kill millions of people. Indonesia officials said a 14-year-old boy died from bird flu on Wednesday, four days after being warded. He is believed to have caught it from infected poultry. Another Indonesian - a 37-year-old woman - was infected, also likely to have been from sick birds. In China, officials said a farmer from Anhui had contracted the disease in December but had recovered. In Vietnam, tests on 70 dead ducks were positive for the H5N1 virus, the government said. The World Health Organisation said the Indonesian was in intensive care and that "initial investigations suggest sick poultry as the possible source of infection". The deadly virus has claimed 58 lives in Indonesia, more than in any other country. Chinese officials said a 37 year-old farmer from the eastern province of Anhui had contracted bird flu in December but was released from hospital after he "fully recovered". China's health ministry and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Monday that the farmer surnamed Li had tested positive for the H5N1 strain. Those who have had close contact with him were quarantined for medical observation but were released after showing no signs of illness. (Cont)
Source: MWC News, Agencies
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