Bird Flu

Bird Flu, also known as avian flu or avian influenza, (codenamed H5N1) has been considered the most likely virus to cause a major flu pandemic. Bird flu is a strain of influenza that is present naturally among birds, but can infect humans as well. While many wild birds carry the virus in their intestines and do not get sick, some domesticated birds are susceptible to suffering a fatal infection.CDC: Avian Flu

• Hong Kong suspended poultry imports for 21 days on December 9, 2008 after three dead chickens tested positive for bird flu. Officials say they began slaughtering 80,000 other birds.CBS: Bird Flu Turns Up in Hong Kong chickens

• Vietnam, Bangladesh, India and mainland China also reported outbreaks of avian flu in December 2008. Four human cases and two deaths, a two-year-old girl in Indonesia and a 16-year-old girl in Egypt, were also reported during this same time. These new cases of avian flu come after a positive two-year decline in the number of reported cases.L.A. Times: New bird flu cases revive fears... (January 4, 2009)

• On January 20, 2009 China reported the third death of the year from bird flu. Of the 34 cases confirmed to date in China, 22 have been fatal.Reuters: FACTBOX-WHO figures for bird flu cases in humans

• On April 21, 2009, a six-year-old Egyptian boy became the 24th victim to die of bird flu in Egypt.Reuters: Egyptian boy dies of bird flu A 25-year-old Cairo woman became the 25th victim of bird flu in Egypt on April 22, 2009.Reuters: Egyptian woman dies of bird flu (April 22, 2009)

• Bird flu has also been found in dead birds in Sikkim which is located in north east Indian on the borders with China and Nepal. Authorities plan to begin culling poultry soon.Hindustan Times: Bird flu spreads to Sikkim in northeast India

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Bird Flu, please consult your doctor.