Avian Bird Flu Influenza - article about Avian Bird Flu Influenza

The Facts About Avian Bird Flu Influenza

The Human Factor

Although avian bird flu influenza is most often isolated to bird populations, there are instances where the virus can hop species to infect other animals and even humans. The current avian bird flu influenza strain H5N1 that appeared first in Asia in 2004 has infected a small number of humans. The people who fell ill have come in direct contact with the sick birds or the droppings of those birds. Some of the people who contracted the illness have died. When an avian bird flu influenza virus begins to infect humans, it can mutate to allow for human-to-human transmission. If this mutation should occur, an influenza pandemic could be the result. While there has not been any evidence of human-to-human contact with the H5N1 strain that is currently present in Asia and now Europe, the World Health Organization is watching the disease very closely. The WHO is also advising countries and governments on the proper procedures for containment and control of the disease.

The WHO warns that if the current avian bird flu influenza does become a human viral strain, the effects will have a global impact. Because of our ease in travel, the spread of the disease could happen quickly and reach the far corners of the earth. For this reason, the WHO has recommended that federal and local governments create emergency plans to address the needs of a pandemic should one occur. It also advises individuals to keep a supply of non-perishable food, water, medications and emergency supplies at home to be prepared for any such emergency. In the case of a potential avian bird flu influenza pandemic, preparation will be a key to getting communities and families through the crisis.

Comments	Date

Name:
Comments :

<a href="http://www.refresharticles.com/articles/government/avian_bird_flu_influenza.txt">Avian Bird Flu Influenza</a>