Monday, February 13, 2006
U.S. experts finish Iraq avian influenza inspection
A group of health experts from the U.S. left Iraq Monday after finishing inspections of areas in northern Iraq where the country’s only confirmed case of avian influenza in a human was found.
Authorities also believe the dead uncle of the 15-year-old girl confirmed as having the deadly H5N1 strain, may also have been infected with the virus, but are awaiting final results on samples.
At least nine other people have been hospitalized with avian influenza (bird flu) symptoms, but tests have not yet confirmed they are infected with the virus.
U.S. Embassy health attache Jon Bowersox said two American scientists that were part of the health inspection team, returned to Cairo on Monday carrying samples from several people suspected of having the disease. The results are expected to take 1 to 14 days to finish.
A six member U.N. health team is expected to stay in Iraq for several more days.