2008 Woodie Awards
Concern for bird flu increases among researchers
Andrew Cross
Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: News
H5N1, avian influenza, bird flu. Call it what you want, it is back in the news again.
H5N1 is the subtype of the Influenza A virus that causes illness in humans and some other species of animals.
The virus has killed tens of millions of birds worldwide and is slowly spreading to humans.
Some researchers claim to have found proof of human to human transfer, and experts believe the latest mutation could pose deadly for millions of humans.
The bird flu has killed hundreds of people since 2003, but that number is predicted to rise dramatically in years to come.
Three conditions must be met in order for a virus to be considered a pandemic.
A new influenza subtype, for which there is little or no immunity, must emerge. This subtype must be able to cause illness to humans, and the virus must spread easily among humans.
Louis Brown is the director of the Nevada State Health Laboratory and an associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
"H5N1 has not established efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission," Brown said.
Brown explained that unless this particular strain of virus changes or mutates, it is unlikely to be considered a pandemic. He went on to say that a mutation of the virus could encourage communicability.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison determined that the bird flu has mutated and now has the ability to develop in the upper respiratory system of humans.
Researchers discovered small but significant changes in the virus that may allow it to infect more cell types and spread more easily.
Warmer temperatures found in the lungs facilitate the development of the virus.
According to Brown, the latest mutation could result in "efficient human-to-human transmission due to droplets spread from coughing and sneezing."
Robert G. Webster is the director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on the Ecology of Influenza and Viruses in Lower Animals and Birds and a world renowned expert on the avian flu.
The bird flu originally struck individuals in close contact with chickens and other birds.
"Previously most avian viruses were transmitted through the feces," Webster said.
"In the chicken the virus can be transmitted from bird to bird in respiratory secretions. Influenza viruses in chicken houses and in live poultry markets can be transmitted through the air," Webster continued.
Some experts believe that as an increased number of humans and animals are exposed to the virus, it will continue to mutate and could possibly become a pandemic.
H5N1 is the subtype of the Influenza A virus that causes illness in humans and some other species of animals.
The virus has killed tens of millions of birds worldwide and is slowly spreading to humans.
Some researchers claim to have found proof of human to human transfer, and experts believe the latest mutation could pose deadly for millions of humans.
The bird flu has killed hundreds of people since 2003, but that number is predicted to rise dramatically in years to come.
Three conditions must be met in order for a virus to be considered a pandemic.
A new influenza subtype, for which there is little or no immunity, must emerge. This subtype must be able to cause illness to humans, and the virus must spread easily among humans.
Louis Brown is the director of the Nevada State Health Laboratory and an associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
"H5N1 has not established efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission," Brown said.
Brown explained that unless this particular strain of virus changes or mutates, it is unlikely to be considered a pandemic. He went on to say that a mutation of the virus could encourage communicability.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison determined that the bird flu has mutated and now has the ability to develop in the upper respiratory system of humans.
Researchers discovered small but significant changes in the virus that may allow it to infect more cell types and spread more easily.
Warmer temperatures found in the lungs facilitate the development of the virus.
According to Brown, the latest mutation could result in "efficient human-to-human transmission due to droplets spread from coughing and sneezing."
Robert G. Webster is the director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on the Ecology of Influenza and Viruses in Lower Animals and Birds and a world renowned expert on the avian flu.
The bird flu originally struck individuals in close contact with chickens and other birds.
"Previously most avian viruses were transmitted through the feces," Webster said.
"In the chicken the virus can be transmitted from bird to bird in respiratory secretions. Influenza viruses in chicken houses and in live poultry markets can be transmitted through the air," Webster continued.
Some experts believe that as an increased number of humans and animals are exposed to the virus, it will continue to mutate and could possibly become a pandemic.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Rfriedenberg
Robert Frieedenberg
posted 10/15/07 @ 1:30 PM CST
Resistant to Tamiflu
Japanese scientists have identified a mutation of an H5N1 avian flu virus that can grow in the human upper respiratory tracts that can spread by coughing and sneezing, signaling a potential for human-to-human transmission. (Continued…)
kennymac
Ken McClelland
posted 10/16/07 @ 10:37 AM CST
The one thing most every expert in this field agrees upon with almost 100% certainty, is that Bird Flu will become a pandemic and millions upon millions are going to die from it. (Continued…)
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