How likely is a pandemic (worldwide epidemic) due to influenza A H5N1?
To date, only four cases have been identified in six months in one small geographic area. A pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus not only causes illness in humans but also spreads from person to person. No links between the cases have yet been identified and there is no evidence, as yet, of person to person transmission. How severe is the illness caused by influenza A H5N1? Influenza virus infection can by asymptomatic or cause illness of varying severity, from a cold to a rapidly fatal pneumonia. Most influenza illnesses, though unpleasant, are self limiting and do not require medical attention. Although two of the four patients with illness found to be due to influenza A H5N1 infection have died, there is still insufficient information to be able to say how severe the illness might be in the population if the infection spread. The only cases identified so far have been in hospital, where patients with more severe illness would be likely to be identified. Is there a vaccine to p
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- How likely is a pandemic (worldwide epidemic) due to influenza A H5N1?
