BANGKOK, Sept. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 13 people are now being monitored for the avian influenza virus after having handled infected poultry, said the Ministry of Public Health.

    Ministry spokeswoman Nittaya Chanrueng was quoted Sunday by local newspapers as saying that since the beginning of July, the Ministry has monitored 104 people showing bird flu-like symptoms,of whom 90 had already been cleared.

    She stressed that since the latest outbreak of avian influenza among Thai poultry flocks, there had been only one confirmed humancase.

    Six of the 13 contacted the Ministry Saturday after being referred for symptoms similar to flu or bronchitis.

    Some of them are said to be in serious conditions.

    With bird flu a public concern, the Ministry has set up a 24-hour help-line for the public. Enditem