| Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza | | | | September 2005, a total of 63 people have died in |
| (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur among birds | | | | Southeast Asia. 11 countries have now fallen victim, |
| naturally. Wild birds all over the world carry the | | | | as more and more people are infected and |
| viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick | | | | hospitalised."No government, no head of state can be |
| from them. However, bird flu is extremely contagious | | | | taken unawares," said WHO director general Lee |
| among birds and can make some domesticated birds, | | | | Jong-Wook. "It is very important for all of us to be |
| including ducks, turkeys, and chickens, very sick and | | | | prepared..."He advised countries should prepare for a |
| kill them.Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, | | | | pandemic by stockpiling antiviral drugs and positioning |
| but several cases of human infection with bird flu | | | | them in high-risk areas; intensifying efforts in vaccine |
| viruses have occurred since 1997.The World health | | | | development; and planning for massive economic and |
| Organization (WHO) issued a prophetic warning in | | | | social disruptions.Remember governments and |
| December 2004. It claimed that if bird flu triggered | | | | wealthy commercial companies are rapidly buying |
| the next pandemic, the virus would likely originate in | | | | supplies and stockpiling known antiviral drugs. |
| Asia. This seems to becoming a harsh reality. As of | | | | |