# 1788
No huge surprise here, since Hong Kong scientists weighed in on this issue 18 hours ago. But it is comforting confirmation. The influenza causing so much concern in Hong Kong is of the seasonal variety, according to the World Health Organization, with no indication that it stems from bird flu or SARS.
March 14, 2008
HK flu outbreak 'seasonal': WHO
No evidence so far to link it to bird flu or Sars; half a million children stay home
By Chua Chin Hon, China Bureau Chief
BEIJING - ABOUT half a million schoolchildren in Hong Kong stayed home yesterday as the city's health authorities took no chances with a flu outbreak that has killed four youngsters so far.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said yesterday the current outbreak was 'seasonal influenza' and health experts saw no evidence so far to suggest that the cases were linked to bird flu or the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak in 2003.
Late on Wednesday night, Hong Kong ordered all kindergartens and primary schools closed for two weeks after officials reported flu outbreaks in 23 schools involving 184 people.
Defending the action to close schools, Hong Kong Health Secretary York Chow told reporters yesterday it was a difficult decision, but the authorities were looking at a rising number of infections.
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