Spread of bird flu could affect Turkish GP

Five new human cases of bird flu have been confirmed in several Turkish provinces, pushing the number of people infected up to 14, officials say. The cases, identified as being of the deadly H5N1 strain, mean the virus is now present in the east, north and centre of the country.

At least two Turkish children have died, and correspondents say fear is spreading rapidly across the country. Forty-eight cases are said to be under investigation in Turkey.

The fact that the virus is now present along the Black Sea coast and central Turkey, as well as in the east, is seen as worrying. The main concern is that the virus will mutate into a form easily transmissible between humans. Turkish television has begun broadcasting a public health warning telling people how to protect themselves from the virus.

There are still 8 month to go before the Turkish GP, but if the Turkish health officials don't get this under control soon, it could become a country epidemic.