HANOI,(Saba)- Four more type A flu sufferers in Vietnam were hospitalised Monday, raising the total to 50 with the death toll of 18,
local media reported Tuesday.

Currently there are 16 patients in the Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, 13 in the National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi, one in the Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in the Kien Giang Hospital in southern Kien Giang province.

Of the patients in Hanoi-based Hospital of Tropical Diseases, six need assistance of respirators. A child has been discharged from the pediatrics hospital.

By Monday, type A flu infections were reported to come from 14 localities,
including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Among type A flu patients, seven have been confirmed to be infected with H5N1, the virus, by Monday, caused bird flu in 501 communes in 27 cities and provinces, including 13 in the north and 14 in the south, infecting 3.5 million poultry.

To stop the spread of bird flu and human flu infections, Vietnam is focusing on eliminating the bird flu outbreak by killing poultry and banning transport of the fowls in affected areas. It also plans to establish a national steering committee on bird flu prevention.

Several organisations have sent experts and equipment to the country.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has sent an animal health officer and 150 clothes designated for people in contact with flu sources.
EM