Avian Influenza Rise Again

Bird Flu or Avian Influenza (H5N1) that has been passed since 2006 are now threatened again. The UN warned of the rise of a deadly bird flu virus after it was discovered the mutation of bird flu in countries previously declared free of the virus.

Mutation of bird flu was found in a new strain that spreads in China and Vietnam. The UN World Food Programme (FAO) urged to do more oversight to the possible spread of bird flu again.

Last week, WHO received reports of the death of a Cambodian girl from bird flu on August 14, 2011. In total there are 8 people who have died in Cambodia this year due to bird flu. In Vietnam some regions in the north and the center also began to emerge a new strain of bird flu.

FAO says bird migration over the past 2 years has brought the H5N1 virus to countries that had been free from viruses such as Israel, Palestine, Bulagria, Romania, Nepal and Mongolia.

"Wild birds can introduce the possibility of this virus, but people's behavior in poultry production and marketing the spread," said FAO's Chief Veterinary huffingtonpost Juan Lubroth as reported on Monday (05/09/2011).

WHO said that globally there has been 331 deaths of 565 confirmed cases of bird flu since 2003 when the virus was first detected.

By acting isolation and vaccination, transmission of avian influenza virus that reached its peak in 2006 has been eliminated in 63 countries. However, six countries still endemic AI stated that Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Since mid 2008 the number of AI cases in wild birds and poultry populations shrank to 302 cases from the previous 4,000 cases. But FAO noted an increase in cases reported in 2010-2011, ie as many as 800 cases.

"The reduction in the progressive cases in the year 2004-2008 it could mean that there is resurgence of H5N1 in the autumn and winter, unexpectedly may be people who find the virus in his backyard," said Lubroth.

Bird flu or avian influenza (H5N1) is an infectious disease caused by viruses that normally infect birds and mammals. In Southeast Asia most cases of bird flu occurred in poultry farms or transport pathways. This virus can be transmitted through air or contact with food, drink, and touch.

However, this virus will die in high temperatures. Therefore, meat, eggs, and animals should be thoroughly cooked to avoid infection.

The virus can survive in cold temperatures. Raw foods refrigerated or frozen to keep the virus. Hands should be washed before and after cooking or touching raw food.

Common symptoms that may occur is high fever, respiratory complaints, and (possibly) of the abdomen. Viral replication in the body can run fast so that the patient needs immediate medical attention.