# 385
While we still have no answers in this ongoing story regarding 3 suspected bird flu deaths, and 11 others who may have been exposed in this country, the press reports do keep rolling across the wires. An investigation is promised, and we are no longer hearing vehement denials that a problem may exist.
Nigeria: Bird Flu - FG to Investigate Deaths
Daily Trust (Abuja)
January 31, 2007
Posted to the web January 31, 2007Joe Oroye
AbujaThe federal government yesterday in Abuja commissioned investigations into the death of three people in Lagos and Taraba allegedly as a result of infection by the bird flu epidemic in the country.
This was revealed by the minister of information and communication, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr. who briefed the journalists on the outcome of special FEC meeting held at the presidential villa Abuja, yesterday.
According to the minister, blood samples from the dead persons have been sent for confirmation test in London and Rome to ascertain if their death was as a result of the Avian flu virus as being speculated.
Mr. Nweke however assured Nigerians that the result of the confirmatory test will be made public as soon as it is ready.
He also said that the federal government is taking steps to check the spread of the flu which once again roared its ugly head in some parts of the country recently as was reported by media.
The minister advises members of the public to make minimal contact with poultry birds and to cook the poultry products properly before consumption, to forestall the transmission of the virus to humans.
