Five more suspected bird-flu cases found

Published on Sep 20, 2004

Five more suspected cases of bird flu were discovered in Bangkok and upcountry over the weekend, but all of the patients are recovering, a senior Public Health Ministry official said yesterday.

One lives in Bangkok, one in Lop Buri and three in Prachin Buri, said Charal Trinvuthipong, acting Public Health permanent secretary.

They all developed symptoms during the past week, he said.

Prachin Buri was recently hit by a new outbreak of avian influenza that claimed one life.

Three of the new suspected patients raised chickens that later died, but they say they had no direct contact with those birds, said Charal.

Of the 109 people put on medical observation earlier, 97 have been dropped from the list, said Charal.

He said there is now only one confirmed case of bird flu, and results of medical tests are pending for 11 suspected cases.

Those with questions about the latest outbreak of bird flu may call the Public Health Ministry抯 24-hour hotline at (02) 590 3333.