The bird flu also called avian influenza is caused by a virus normally affecting birds. However since 1997 humans have been known to become infected and die. The virus causes severe respiratory problems leading to death.
There are three types of influenza viruses; bird flu is caused by the influenza A-virus. It is highly contagious in birds.
In 1997 there was an outbreak in Hong Kong: there were 18 cases with severe respiratory disease, six were fatal. The infection appeared to be transmitted from birds to humans. All were in close contact with poultry. The avian flu virus H5N1 was the cause of death.
In 2003 there were two known cases, both had travelled to China, one died.
In South East Asia between January 2004 and March 31, 2005 there were 74 cases, 49 died
- 2 deaths in Cambodia
- 12 deaths in Thailand
- 35 deaths in Vietnam
Health officials became concerned about a case in January 2005 because the virus was transmitted from a child to her mother
More on managing health
Healthyou
