U.N. warns on mutant strain of bird flu virus
August 30, 2011 5:43 a.m. EDT
__________________________________________________________________________________ (CNN) -- The United Nations warned Monday of a possible resurgence of the deadly avian flu virus, saying there are indications a mutant strain may be spreading in Asia.
A variant strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which can apparently bypass the defenses of current vaccines with unpredictable risks to humans, has appeared in Vietnam and China, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated.
Circulation of the virus in Vietnam threatens Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Japan and the Korean peninsula, the FAO said.
The most recent death caused by avian flu occurred this month in Cambodia, where eight people have died after becoming infected this year, the organization added.
The virus is still present in China, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Egypt, while areas recently affected include Nepal, Mongolia, Romania, Bulgaria, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
A geographical advance in cases of infected poultry and wild birds since 2008 has apparently been due to the movement of migratory birds, said FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Juan Lubroth.
"Preparedness and surveillance remain essential," he warned.http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/30/un.bird.flu/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Friday, July 22, 2011
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