Why are people so worried about avian “bird” flu right now?
• A new bird influenza virus has now spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. This “bird flu” is called Avian H5N1 influenza. Experts are worried about this virus. It is very strong, and has caused millions of bird and poultry deaths. It has also caused serious illness and death in people who have had very close contact with sick birds or poultry.
• A new bird influenza virus has now spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. This “bird flu” is called Avian H5N1 influenza. Experts are worried about this virus, which has caused millions of bird and poultry deaths. It has also caused serious illness and death in people who have had very close contact with sick birds or poultry. • No one knows for sure that the H5N1 virus will cause a pandemic. But experts are worried because this new bird flu virus is widespread. There is a lot of contact between people and poultry and animals in Asia and Africa. Together, this means there is a bigger chance that the bird flu could change into a virus that can be spread from person to person. IF this were to happen, there could be a pandemic.
