Possible bird flu patient 'just back from Turkey'

Belgian officials said today they were investigating a possible human case of bird flu at a Brussels hospital.

The Ministry of Health said a person checked into the Sint Pieters Hospital complaining of flu symptoms. The patient had returned from Turkey two days ago.

“The person is currently under observation and all necessary measures are being taken,” said a statement from the ministry.

It added that blood samples had been taken from the patient, who is a Brussels resident, to confirm whether the patient has contracted bird flu and whether it is the deadly H5N1 strain. The ministry did not release further details of the patient.

Preliminary test results were expected later Saturday, officials said.

Health Minister Rudy Demotte and hospital staff were to hold a news conference later today.

In Turkey, 18 people have been confirmed infected with the H5N1 strain, including three children who died a week ago.

All are suspected to have had direct contact with infected birds.