Bird flu numbers are tailing off

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The number of people affected by an outbreak of bird flu in north Wales last month appears to be tailing off, according to official figures.

At its height it was feared that 252 people may have come into contact with the virus and 17 had shown symptoms.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales said it was still "checking and monitoring" seven after the outbreak on a Conwy smallholding.

A spokesman said no-one experiencing symptoms was seriously ill.

The NPHS said 17 "avian flu contacts" have or have had symptoms of a "flu-like illness or conjunctivitis".

Of the 252 who may have come into contact with the H7N2 strain, 245 are now out of the incubation period and seven are still being monitored.

The H7N2 strain is not as serious H5N1 strand of the disease.

Teachers and pupils at Ysgol Henllan have been given treatment

In the latest official update on Sunday communicable diseases consultant Dr Marion Lyons, of the NPHS for Wales, said: "We are actively managing the outbreak.

"This involves taking every precaution in identifying possible contacts of the infected poultry or people who have been ill after contact with the infected poultry.

"We will remain vigilant. Most people fall ill within two or three days of coming into contact with the virus but this period can be as long as seven days."

The first case of the avian flu was confirmed last month among poultry on a smallholding near Corwen in Denbighshire.

The Rhode Island chickens first affected were bought at a Chelford Market in Macclesfield, Cheshire on 7 May.