32 Avian Flu—Is the Danger Still there?

Abstract: Avian flu is an infection, caused by Avian influenza viruses occurring naturally, among birds. Wild birds and aquatic birds act as reservoir for these viruses. In 1997, first human case of avian influenza was reported. Since then more than 200 human cases have been reported from different...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ap Misra
Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
Format: Text
Language:English
Subjects:
Online Access:http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.690.5172
http://apiindia.org/pdf/pg_med_2007/Chapter-32.pdf
Description
Summary:Abstract: Avian flu is an infection, caused by Avian influenza viruses occurring naturally, among birds. Wild birds and aquatic birds act as reservoir for these viruses. In 1997, first human case of avian influenza was reported. Since then more than 200 human cases have been reported from different parts of the world, namely from eastern Asia, South-east Asia and Europe. Humans do not have natural immunity against avian influenza viruses and this infection in humans causes very high mortality. Among the various avian flu viruses H5N1 virus is of considerable importance as it causes serious disease in humans and has a very high case fatality rate. There is growing concern about a possible pandemic due to these avian influenza viruses.