The Turkish health ministry confirmed on Sunday that five more people have contracted the deadliest strain of bird flu as the disease spread westward, adding to a sense of crisis gripping the country after the deaths of three children earlier this week.

The latest cases are likely to raise fresh concerns about the government?s handling of the outbreak. Opposition leaders have demanded the resignations of the health and agriculture ministers and media reports have been critical of what they claim is the country?s lack of preparedness despite the known dangers.