Bird virus threatens millions (10 countires identified/involved)

[Whoa_Nelly]

THE rapid spread of a lethal bird virus through 10 countries within weeks has reawakened fears of plague.

<snip>
However, the World Health Organisation is working on the assumption that the current outbreak – rumoured to have emerged almost five months ago – is the "big one".

The countries where bird flu cases have been identified are Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan and Laos.

<snip>
The speed at which this virus has spread is "historically unprecedented", according to WHO.

more...
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8536747%5E953,00.html

[TSElliott]

1. I thought this flu was spread

from handling chicken poop and was not spread from human to human. Also each person who has contacted this flu had direct contact with chickens.

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. From WHO press release

FAO/WHO
27 January 2004

Unprecedented spread of avian influenza requires broad collaboration
FAO/OIE/WHO call for international assistance

27 January 2004 | GENEVA/ROME/PARIS -- The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in several areas in Asia is a threat to human health and a disaster for agricultural production, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a joint statement today.

Although it has not happened yet, the so-called “bird flu” presents a risk of evolving into an efficient and dangerous human pathogen, the three agencies warned.

<snip>
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a threat to public health because, if it circulates long enough in humans and farm animals, there is an increased risk that it may evolve into a pandemic influenza strain which could cause disease worldwide. In addition, avian influenza is an economic disaster for the poultry industry as well as small poultry farmers.

<snip>
”We have a brief window of opportunity before us to eliminate that threat,” said Dr. Jacques Diouf, FAO Director-General.

<snip>
The threat from avian influenza is well understood. Unlike SARS, diagnostic tests already exist, as do effective, although costly, antivirals for humans. While it is challenging, research is already well underway on the development of a human vaccine against this strain.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/releases/2004/pr7/en/

ALSO:

Avian influenza A(H5N1) - update 13

30 January 2004
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2004_01_30/en/