Director of the BP Koirala Institute of Health Science Dr BP Das rebuffed the rumors that two persons, being treated at the hospital, were infected with the avian virus (H5N1).

He clarified that the two were admitted into the hospital three days ago after being infected with pneumonia, not bird flu, eKantipur.com reported.

Dr Das claimed that the media had unnecessarily created false rumors that the two patients had contracted the virus.

He also informed that the hospital had already contacted the government for the provision of additional manpower, tools and medicines, keeping in view the possible outbreak of the avian flu in people.

He added that the hospital has made preparations for a separate "Tropical Ward" for the treatment of avian flu, if needed.

Likewise, the government has confirmed that the avian virus has not been detected in the capital so far.

Spokesperson at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Hari Dahal said, "A few chicken died in the capital recently. We are carrying out the tests but it has not been confirmed yet as to whether the chicken died of the avian virus".

"After carrying out preliminary tests in Nepal, samples have been sent to the United Kingdom for the confirmation," he informed.

The government on 16 January confirmed the outbreak of bird flu virus in the eastern district of Jhapa.

Further Reading

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You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.