Bird flu may be possible from human to human through air

Avian flu viruses which are transmissible between humans could evolve in nature — Research provides insight into feasibility of virus becoming airborne transmissible – It might be possible for human-to-human airborne transmissible avian H5N1 influenza viruses to evolve in nature, new research has found. The findings, from research led by Professor Derek Smith and Dr Colin Russell at the University of Cambridge, were published today, 22 June in the journal Science.

Bird Flu rears its head again

Bird Flu rears its head again — Increased preparedness and surveillance urged against variant strain — Major resurgence H5N1 possible – UN FAO recently urged heightened readiness and surveillance against a possible major resurgence of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza amid signs that a mutant strain of the deadly Bird Flu virus is spreading in Asia and beyond, with unpredictable risks to human health.

Preventing future bird flu epidemics – GM chickens

GM chickens that don’t transmit bird flu developed – Breakthrough could prevent future bird flu epidemics – Chickens genetically modified to prevent them spreading bird flu have been produced by researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh. They developed a new gene coding that controls bird flu virus progress.

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu – Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study.

New tools to study H5N1 vaccines for Bird Flu

FDA Researchers Contribute Insights into Avian Flu Virus. Findings could help develop new tests to detect infection; new tools to study H5N1 vaccines. – An in-depth analysis of blood from patients recovering from the H5N1 avian influenza virus has provided important insights into how to combat the potentially lethal virus.

Human vaccine against bird flu soon

Human vaccine against bird flu a reality with new discovery – A vaccine to protect humans from a bird flu pandemic is within reach after a new discovery by researchers at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Avian influenza situation in Egypt – a new case detected

A new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection is detected in Egypt. – The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 21-months old female from 6th October Governorate, Kerdasa District whose symptoms began on 9 January 2009.

New case of human infection with avian influenza, Viet Nam

Avian influenza ? situation in Viet Nam. Vietnam reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus – The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case has been confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE).

New H5N1 bird flu cases in China, Vietnam

Chinese agriculture officials have issued an alert against bird flu after a 19-year-old woman died of the disease in Beijing. – New human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, involving a 19-year-old Chinese woman who died of her infection and an 8-year-old Vietnamese girl who is recovering, reported by public health officials in two countries – China and Vietnam.

Health Newstrack