Update on Avian Flu

Laboratory-confirmation of H5N1 infection has now been made in 15 people in Viet Nam, of whom 11 have died, while there were five people with laboratory-confirmed infection in Thailand and all have died, according to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland). Of the four people with the flu who remain alive in Viet Nam, two are hospitalized and two have recovered.

During a technical consultation in Rome (Italy) in February, 2004, members of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the WHO drew several conclusions and made some recommendations for protecting humans from widespread outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza. Experts noted the need for measures to protect and prevent infection in groups, especially poultry workers and cullers. Also, they recognized the need to reduce opportunities for the simultaneous infection of humans with H5N1 and human strains of influenza virus. Such dual infections give the avian and human viruses opportunities to exchange genes, possibly resulting in the emergence of a new influenza type.

While culling remains the preferred option for infected flocks, targeted vaccination of healthy poultry can be used as a complementary tool for achieving the rapid reduction of the risk posed by the H5N1 virus in its avian host, an objective that supports both elimination of the disease in poultry and prevention of further human cases and deaths.




Related Links:
World Health Organization