Serb kids from bird flu area hospitalised for checks

BELGRADE, Mar 17 (Reuters) Three Serb children from a bird flu-affected area were taken to hospital after developing fever and flu-like symptoms, Serbia's chief epidemiologist said today.

A teenager put into isolation yesterday after developing fever was also moved to hospital. All four come from a southwestern area close to the Bosnian border, where there was a suspected case of the deadly H5N1 strain in a cockerel.

''Three children were admitted to hospital today displaying symptoms of respiratory infection,'' Predrag Kon told Reuters.

''Two of them have signs of a viral infection. All three are coming from the outbreak zone and came into contact with infected poultry.'' Kon said a total of 24 people from the area were under medical supervision and getting tested. Serbia has detected the deadly H5N1 strain in wild fowl and is waiting for the results of the tests on the rooster.

Reuters SH DB2356