More cases of bird flu in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong authorities say four more people are believed to have contracted the influenza virus, known as bird flu, which has already caused three deaths.

The rising number of victims has led hospitals to cancel holiday leave, as hundreds of parents take their children for tests.

The World Health Organisation says there is no evidence of how the virus is spread.

It haspreviously been known to exist only in birds and poultry.

Local health officials have responded by banning the import of chickens from mainland China.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service