# 1957
Over the past 5 hours there has been a steady parade of stories out of Seoul, South Korea telling of people worried that they may have contracted the bird flu virus.
Despite the escalating news reports, these cases are reportedly mild and are mostly likely the result of the `worried well' responding to yesterday's report of bird flu being found in the capital city.
At first, Peoples Daily Online was reporting `At least five suspected H5N1 human cases have been reported to local authorities as of Wednesday morning'.
This was followed by a Yonhap news report stating that `Local health officials said Wednesday that seven people are being examined after reporting symptoms similar to those of human bird flu.'
AFP reported the situation this way:
The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention said it asked all hospitals in Seoul to keep a close eye on their patients and immediately report any suspected cases of human bird flu.
The public health clinic in Gwangjin said Wednesday it had been swamped with inquiry calls or visits by residents, some with a high fever and headache, for medical checks. No bird flu infections were reported.
The Korean Times opened their reporting with:
Authorities have issued the highest level of alert for avian influenza after the virulent bird flu hit Seoul, with six people being examined after reporting symptoms similar to those of human bird flu.
And Yonhap news is now reporting:
Local health officials said Wednesday that nine people have been examined after reporting symptoms similar to those of human bird flu.
Health inspectors from Gwangjin ward in eastern Seoul said these people were sent to a local clinic for initial examinations after reporting suffering from coughs, shivers and fever, but stressed that none have been classified as suspected bird flu patients.
(A hat tip to Dutchy, Ironorehopper, and Commonground on Flutrackers for finding and posting these news reports).
While these cases are probably not bird flu related, some blood samples appear to have been taken and lab results are pending.
No one, according to Yonhap's last report has been hospitalized as a bird flu suspect.
