November 15, 2005

Vietnam suspects Hanoi woman died of bird flu

Vietnamese authorities suspected a 75-year-old woman from Hanoi died recently of bird flu, after showing symptoms of the disease.

The woman reportedly ate chicken soup, and was later admitted to hospital with symptoms of high fever and breathing difficulties. Samples from her have been sent to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to test for bird flu.

Vietnam has so far reported 65 human cases of bird flu, including 22 fatalities, in 25 cities and provinces since December last year, the country's health ministry said.