Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Turkey Says 70 People Hospitalized with Bird Flu Symptoms
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WHO has so far confirmed only four cases in Turkey, and says all came
from direct contact with sick birds





Marifet Kocyigit, who lost three of four children to bird flu, kisses
the grave of her son Mehmet Ali

Turkish officials say about 70 people are hospitalized across the
country with symptoms of avian influenza, and one more person has
tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus, bringing
Turkey's total number of infections to 15.

The World Health Organization has so far confirmed four of the
infections in Turkey, and says all came from direct contact with sick
birds.

Turkish officials have stepped up an information campaign to inform
people about the dangers posed by infected birds. They are also
slaughtering flocks suspected of infection and increasing health
inspections along transit routes.

In Ukraine, health officials today confirmed new cases of H5N1 in
birds at three poultry farms on the Crimean peninsula.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin Tuesday, ordered officials to
develop a plan to protect the country against bird flu.



Bird flu has killed more than 70 people in Asia since 2003, and at
least two people in Turkey.

 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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