Concerns about bird flu outbreaks
- By:groshan fabiola
A quick spreading virus was reported in Asia and Europe. The avian influenza A (H5N1) is a contagious virus that easily spreads among birds and may lead to death in most of the cases. Outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 have been reported in countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand or Vietnam during 2003 and 2004. In these countries it is believed that more than 100 million birds have been affected by the bird flu and died.
Outbreaks have been reported later on in about the same countries. A general specialist’s opinion says that outbreaks will not stop. Europe was affected too. Countries such as Turkey and Romania were also affected. Croatia also had to manage this problem because of the wild migratory birds.
Even if bird flu or avian influenza is common among birds, some cases of humans infected with the virus are known. Infections of H5N1 were reported among humans in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey or Vietnam.
H5N1 is one of the most severe forms of bird flu. A high percentage of the infected humans have ended up dead. It is a good thing that this highly pathogenic virus does not spread from one person to another.
The great concern of the specialists is that the H5N1 or any other specific bird flu virus may affect humans and merge with another human flu virus developing a new highly contagious virus that could spread easily among humans, that is able to lead, just like H5N1, to a pandemic.
Other seasonal influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier and affected humans were not as dangerous as H5N1 is. This severe subtype of bird flu viruses is one of the most complicated influenza viruses that usually lead to a quick death. H5N1 is a virus that, if affects humans, it will lead to the development of severe diseases of the internal organs. The problems that may be caused by H5N1 are eye problems, severe respiratory problems and even pneumonia.
In humans this type of infection appears to be resistant to all available treatments. It was proved that antiviral medicines, commonly used for treatment of patients with influenza, such as amantadine and rimantadine have no effect. Two other types of antiviral medicines, oseltamivir and zanamavir would be probably efficient to treat influenza but specialists must study further to develop a secure treatment.
No vaccine is developed yet but specialists are working on it. It is known that since April 2005 researchers try to develop an efficient vaccine.About the author:
So, if you want to find out more about bird flu info or even about bird flu treatment please click this link http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/