WHO tries to allay fears over bird flu

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday tried to allay fears of a massive bird flu outbreak in Turkey, telling people not to panic but urging them to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.

Preliminary tests in the last week indicate that 15 people in Turkey have been infected with the deadly H5N1 strain - the largest number of cases in a single week since late 2003, when the virus began sweeping Asia. Three children have died, but only two of those cases were confirmed to have tested positive for bird flu.

WHO regional director Marc Danzon said yesterday: “The worst situation is a panic situation. There is no reason to panic.”