# 1265
While there are obviously bird flu related happenings going on around the world right now, there are few if any new headlines.
The situation in Saudi Arabia, while reportedly under control, does appear to have been a major outbreak. At least 3 farms are involved, and according to a report posted by Crof of Crofsblog, a state of emergency has been declared over this incident in Mecca.
Earlier today, AME Info reported that 21 persons were under observations with `flu-like symptoms', some of whom had been involved in the recent culling operations in Saudi Arabia.
21 monitored for bird flu
21 people have been put under observation in hospitals across Saudi Arabia after developing symptoms similar to those associated with bird flu, reported the Saudi Gazette. All of the patients have tested negative for the virus thus far but a number were involved in the mass culling of 100,000 birds in various locations in the kingdom after the H5N1 strain was discovered in Al Kharj.
More recently, Saudi officials have released this more reassuring statement carried by KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
Saudi Health Ministry asserts no bird flu cases reported on workers in Kharj
Health 11/18/2007 3:15:00 PM
RIYADH, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- The Saudi Health Ministry has asserted the safety of all workers who have come in contact with birds infected by the virus of bird flu in Kharj governorate and other governorates.
In a statement released here Sunday, the Health Ministry emphasized that all workers have been subjected to clinical and lab examinations and the results of these examinations were negative."No cases of infection of persons with the virus of the bird flu were reported," the statement said.
The statement pointed out that there is a national plan, carried out in cooperation with the concerned governmental bodies, to combat bird flu.
These concerned authorities include the ministries of health, agriculture, and municipal and rural affairs. (end) ay.tg KUNA 181515 Nov 07NNNN
As we've seen in the past, those involved in culling operations are closely observed and are often placed on prophylactic Tamiflu. In rare instances, we've had reports of cullers testing positive.
