26 January 2004	Monday	03 Zilhaj 1424

DHAKA, Jan 25: Bangladeshi experts are trying to identify a mysterious disease which has reportedly killed 16 children in the past week, officials said on Sunday.

"A group of experts is trying to find out the reason behind the deaths and if all the cases are linked," a government official said, requesting anonymity.He said some were believed to have died from illnesses brought on by cold weather.

Of the five children brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, three died and two were being treated in a quarantined quarter, a hospital staff said. There was no official death figure, but the private NTV television network, quoting local doctors, put the toll at 16 in one week.

It said 30 children were ill with the unknown disease. The deaths may prompt fears that bird flu, which has been confirmed in seven Asian countries, has hit Bangladesh.-AFP