* Indonesia: Two individuals showing flu symptoms test negative for avian influenza
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Ronnarit Benpad is showing signs of recovery |
The 7-year-old son of a farmer who died two days ago from avian influenza in Thailand has also tested positive for the virus. Doctors have immediately reassured the public, stating that the virus has not yet mutated to allow for easy human-to-human transmission.
According to Mr. Prasit Watanap, the director of Siriraj Hospital, it is likely that the child contracted the virus through exposure to an infected area where chickens had died. It is highly probable that the child came into contact with contaminated chicken feces. There is no evidence to suggest that the child contracted the virus from his father.
The child is likely to recover, but Ronnarit Benpad will need to remain in the hospital for at least another 5 days before being discharged (under close supervision from medical staff for the next 21 days). Doctors believe Ronnarit may recover because the onset of his symptoms was slower than that of his father, and he received treatment earlier.
Currently, Ronnarit’s health is gradually improving (he has started eating and playing; his body temperature is also returning to normal).
Since the first detection of avian influenza in Thailand in January of last year, the country has reported 19 cases of the virus, with 13 fatalities.
* Meanwhile, a hospital in Indonesia has admitted a father and son showing symptoms similar to avian influenza. However, laboratory tests for both the father (63 years old) and the son (22 years old) have returned negative results.
KINH LUÂN (According to AFP & BBC NEWS)
