Malaysian health officials were testing seven people suffering respiratory problems for bird flu after an outbreak was confirmed this week in poultry near their homes, a government minister said today.

Ten people from villages hit by the deadly H5N1 avian influenza were hospitalised late Tuesday complaining of flu symptoms and respiratory problems, Health Minister Chua Soi Lek told a news conference.

Three were discharged after they recovered, he said.

Contact with chickens

The seven others, two adults and five children, from several households had contact with infected chickens, he said.

"From the cases that were referred, seven cases were admitted to the ward so that testing and treatment can be conducted," said Chua.

The test results will be known by tomorrow.

Malaysia confirmed late Monday a new outbreak of bird flu after chickens died in four villages just north of the capital Kuala Lumpur.