Is it reassuring that so few human cases have occurred?
( 2004-02-02 16:10) (WHO)
Yes. WHO has some evidence
that the H5N1 strain may have been circulating in birds since April 2003. The
detection so far of only a few human cases suggests that the virus may not be
easily transmitted from birds to humans at present. However, the situation could
change quickly, as the H5N1 strain has been shown to mutate rapidly and has a
documented propensity to exchange genes with influenza viruses from other
species.
In situations that could favour the emergence of a new pandemic strain of
influenza virus, every case of human infection is one too many. In addition to
the rapid destruction of infected animals, another opportunity to prevent human
cases is through the protection of workers involved in culling operations. WHO
has issued guidelines for conducting these operations
safely.
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