Woman tests negative for bird flu

December 16, 2011

A woman who touched a sick bird that later died and tested positive for H5 avian influenza virus has tested negative for influenza herself, the Centre for Health Protection reports.
 
The 48-year-old woman picked up the sick bird with her bare hands and without wearing a face mask on December 13. She developed flu symptoms the next day and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday for isolation and lab tests.
 
The woman’s 11-year-old son was also admitted to the hospital for isolation and lab tests as a precautionary measure. He had recovered from a fever and cough earlier this week.