HANOI, Jan. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Four more flu type A sufferers in Vietnam were hospitalized on Monday, raising the total to 50 with the death toll of 18, local newspaper Labor reported Tuesday.

    Now, 16 patients are in the Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, 13 in the National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi, one in the Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in the Kien Giang Hospital in southern Kien Giang province.

    Of the patients in Hanoi-based Hospital of Tropical Diseases, six need assistance of respirators. A child has been discharged from the pediatrics hospital.

    By Monday, flu type A infections were reported to come from 14 localities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

    Among flu type A patients, seven have been confirmed to be infected with H5N1, the virus, by Monday, caused bird flu in 501 communes in 27 cities and provinces, including 13 in the north and14 in the south, infecting 3.5 million poultry.

    To stop the spread of bird flu and human flu infections, Vietnam is focusing on eliminating the bird flu outbreak by killing poultry and banning transport of the fowls in affected areas. It also plans to establish a national steering committee onbird flu prevention.

    Several organizations have sent experts and equipment to the country. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has sent an animal health officer and 150 clothes designated for people in contact with flu sources. Enditem