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15/04/2005
More bird flu cases reported in Asia
Vietnam has reported eight more cases of bird flu in humans, the United Nations health agency has confirmed.
The latest cases bring the total reported since mid-December last year to 41, 16 of which have been fatal.
The virus, H5NI, has been linked to the widespread outbreak in poultry in Vietnam and Thailand. Nearly 140 million domestic birds have died or been culled over the past year in southeast Asia in an effort to curb the spread of the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stressed that the continuing transmission of the disease to humans might give avian and human influenza viruses the chance to exchange genes, potentially creating a devastating pandemic.
Earlier this month the WHO stated that there was currently no evidence to suggest that the virus was spreading easily from person to person. However, the organisation has stressed the need for scientists to study the viruses from recent clusters of cases and determine possible changes in the behaviour of the virus to assess the risk of a possible pandemic.
The Spanish flu pandemic – unrelated to the present virus – is estimated to have killed between 20 million and 40 million people worldwide between 1918-1920.
(KMcA/GB)
The latest cases bring the total reported since mid-December last year to 41, 16 of which have been fatal.
The virus, H5NI, has been linked to the widespread outbreak in poultry in Vietnam and Thailand. Nearly 140 million domestic birds have died or been culled over the past year in southeast Asia in an effort to curb the spread of the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stressed that the continuing transmission of the disease to humans might give avian and human influenza viruses the chance to exchange genes, potentially creating a devastating pandemic.
Earlier this month the WHO stated that there was currently no evidence to suggest that the virus was spreading easily from person to person. However, the organisation has stressed the need for scientists to study the viruses from recent clusters of cases and determine possible changes in the behaviour of the virus to assess the risk of a possible pandemic.
The Spanish flu pandemic – unrelated to the present virus – is estimated to have killed between 20 million and 40 million people worldwide between 1918-1920.
(KMcA/GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
