No humans infected with bird flu in Bihar so far

No case of humans getting infected with the bird flu virus has been detected in Bihar so far, a senior state government official said.

"Among the reported cases of suspected or confirmed bird flu, we have not come across with any such incident (of humans getting infected with the virus) so far," Health department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar told reporters here.

The first incident of suspected avian influenza was reported from six villages of Asarganj block of Munger district in December.

The state has, so far, found samples positive for bird flu from four places - two places in Munger and one each in Banka and in the zoo in Patna.

"There are chances that the animal husbandry department employees may get affected (with bird flu) as they come in contact with dead birds, but no such incidents have come to our notice," he said.

The officer said it is the responsibility of health department to get one "affected" person tested to ensure whether he or she actually infected with bird flu.

The medicine 'Tamiflu', used for the treatment of the person infected with bird flu, is available in sufficient quantity and the central government has also dispatched more medicines after the incident, Kumar said.

Asked whether the department has issued any guideline for consumption of eggs and chickens, Kumar said, "We have asked people to take precautions."