I'm sure all of you have heard of the bird flu, which is, an illness caused by any of many different strains of influenza viruses that have adapted to a specific turkey. Of the greatest concern is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The highly pathogenic influenza A virus subtype H5N1 virus is an emerging avian influenza virus that has been causing global concern as a potential pandemic threat. It is often referred to simply as "bird flu" or "avian influenza" even though it is only one subtype of avian influenza causing virus.
H5N1 has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the co-existence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal to humans.
Since the first H5N1 outbreak occurred in 1997, there has been an increasing number of HPAI H5N1 bird-to-human transmissions leading to clinically severe and fatal human infections. However, because there is a significant species barrier that exists between birds and humans, the virus does not easily cross over to humans, though some cases of infection are being researched to discern whether human to human transmission is occurring. More research is necessary to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the H5N1 virus in humans. Exposure routes and other disease transmission characteristics such as genetic and immunological factors, that may increase the likelihood of infection, are not clearly understood.
On January 18, 2009, A 27-year-old woman from eastern China has died of bird flu, Chinese authorities said, making her the second person to die this year from the deadly virus. Two tests on the woman were positive for H5N1 avian influenza, said the ministry, which did not say how she might have contracted the virus.
Although millions of birds have become infected with the virus since its discovery, 262 humans have died from the H5N1 in twelve countries according to WHO data as of August 31, 2009.
The avian flu claimed at least 200 humans in Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Romania, China, Turkey and Russia. Epidemiologists are afraid that the next time such a virus mutates, it could pass from human to human; however, the current A/H5N1 virus does not transmit easily from human to human. If this form of transmission occurs, another pandemic could result. Thus disease-control centers around the world are making avian flu a top priority. These organizations encourage poultry-related operations to develop a preemptive plan to prevent the spread of H5N1 and its potentially pandemic strains. The recommended plans center on providing protective clothing for workers and isolating flocks to prevent the spread of the virus.
With that being said, it's evident that the bird flu is a serious issue. As a result, researchers at Chinese University Of Hong are planning on using genetic modification to target the entry and reproduction of influenza viruses in chicken w/ the hopes of preventing outbreaks of flu among poultry and humans. I think this an important project b/c as stated earlier, since 1997, hundreds of people have been infected w/ avian flu. If the H5N1 virus were to mutate and find a way to spread easily among humans, it could trigger a flu pandemic, and we all don't want that to happen; right? Therefore, I think it's best if we work on a cure that can prevent this potential pandemic from occurring. That way this world would be both a better and safer place for both you & me. Wouldn't you agree?
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