In The News

Avian Flu Found in Migrating Geese in China

Stephen Smith July 7, 2005
The recent deaths of migratory birds in western China are raising concerns that the avian flu may have found an unwelcome vehicle through which to spread around the world. According to newly released journal reports by Chinese scientists, at least 6,000 migratory geese have died so far due to the epidemic, which previously has been transmitted to humans only through contact with infected poultry...

Genetic Analyses Suggest Bird Flu Virus is Evolving

Dennis Normile June 2, 2005
Genetic analyses of samples from avian influenza patients may suggest that new strains of the virus are developing in northern Vietnam. The samples, analyzed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were compared with samples taken earlier this year, and scientists found several differences. What do the changes mean? Without further testing, scientists are unsure. A worrisome...

Bird Flu Spreads Among Java's Pigs

David Cyranoski May 27, 2005
International health experts have kept a wary eye on the avian influenza virus, identified as H5N1. Though transmission to humans has not been widespread, scientists in Indonesia have made an unsettling discovery. Earlier this year, a virologist found the H5N1 strain – though without symptoms of the disease – in pigs in western Java. Why the concern? According to the journal Nature, "...

Preparing for the Next Pandemic

Michael T. Osterholm, Ph.D, M.P.H. May 5, 2005
Periodic influenza outbreaks over the past few centuries have resulted in high mortality and enormous damage. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, the world is still grossly under-prepared to cope with such pandemics. Recent concerns over the possibility of a large avian flu outbreak mean that this global lack of response capability to public health crises is an urgent problem....

Preparing for a New Global Threat – Part II

Thomas Abraham January 28, 2005
Almost as quickly as scientists upgrade vaccinations, communicable viruses are adapting – by genetic mutation – to break through vaccine barriers and transmit faster. Thomas Abraham warns against a "biological tsunami" that is "brewing deep within the microbial world": avian influenza virus, or H5N1. Bird-to-human transmission was once believed impossible, but recently...

Preparing for a New Global Threat – Part I

David Heymann January 26, 2005
From the historic Spanish Flu to the recent SARS outbreak, communicable diseases have periodically challenged the world community. SARS was caused by a new strain of coronvirus that was identified and stopped. But the latest threat comes from avian influenza virus of the type that could mutate and pass on to humans. Due to their genetic instability and swift multiplication, influenza viruses are...

Evolution of Bird Flu Virus May Favor Pandemic – WHO

Stephanie Nebehay January 20, 2005
The avian influenza may not just be for the birds. With the Asian death toll at 38, health officials are concerned that the virus may evolve to a more fatal – and contagious form. Though the current risk of human-to-human transmission is negligible, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the virus could mutate. Alarmed by the high risk factors for rural families, WHO officials stressed...