Three new cases of bird flu were announced by Egypt's health ministry on Thursday, bringing the total number infections in 2015 to seven.

Meanwhile, a 51 year-old man has fully recovered from the virus, the ministry added in a statement issued on Thursday.

Five of the seven infections in 2015 are currently being treated, with one recovery and one death MENA reported.

The virus claimed the lives of 31 people infected in 2014. 

The health ministry reiterated its calls for those who handle poultry to seek immediate treatment should flu symptoms start to appear, while advising them to cover their noses and mouths when they deal with any kind of domesticated birds.

In Egypt, most cases of bird flu have been in rural areas, where villagers tend to raise poultry in their homes, increasing exposure to live or dead infected birds.

Bird flu first appeared in Egypt in 2006.