So far, human infections with avian H5 influenza viruses have not started jumping from human to human. There have been some instances of multiple cases in one family, but no evidence of a chain of two or more successive human to human transmissions.

The avian influenza virus is different from the human influenza virus; it normally attacks only birds, rarely humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that the current avian and human influenza viruses impose the need for increased vigilance because of the possibility of genetic material being exchanged between the viruses.

Efforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.

Avian influenza rarely causes disease in humans. The mechanism of transmission from birds to humans is poorly understood. Transmission to humans may possibly occur via direct contact with the excrement of contaminated poultry or birds. As yet, there is no evidence of transmission from one human to another. Vietnam and Thailand have reported human cases of infection with the H5N1 virus. There have been no human cases of H5N1 infection in Québec or Canada.

The high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain is a particularly virulent strain of avian flu that was first detected in Southeast Asia in 1997.

To date, transmission from domestic poultry, through contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or feces, is the most prevalent way this H5N1 strain of avian flu virus has caused human infection. One single incident of wild bird to human transmission has been recorded as described above.

To date, the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu has not been detected in North America. An extensive government surveillance system has been established to detect its arrival should it occur. The World Organization for Animal Health and The World Health Organization maintain web pages devoted to reporting all laboratory confirmed cases of the H5 strains of avian flu in animals and humans based on location.

Vaccines against the H5N1 avian virus currently occurring in SE Asia are under development. These are not the same asa pandemic vaccine - if a pandemic were to emerge from this virus the virus mayhave changed to such an extent that this vaccine may not be appropriate.

Avian flu is transmitted from infected live birds to humans. Human-to-human transmission is highly unlikely. Outbreaks of Avian Flu in poultry have recently been reported in some Asian countries, and some cases human infection has been reported. Hong Kong has an effective surveillance system to check for influenza in birds and humans. The Department of Health has been closely monitoring the situation and has adopted appropriate preventive measures to guard themselves against the disease.

Avian flu or “bird flu” normally infects birds, although these bird strains can sometimes infect small numbers of humans who come in close contact with them. Sometimes – not always – these bird strains can become more easily transmitted to people. If that happens, and the strain changes enough to become easily transmissible between people, it can result in a pandemic – a global circulation of a strain that really hasn’t been seen in people before.

Flu viruses are named according to two different proteins on their surface: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin helps the virus stick to cells and infect them. After invading cells, the virus replicates into many identical copies. Neuraminidase enables these new copies to exit the host cell. Currently, there are 16 known variants of hemagglutinin and 9 known variants of neuraminidase.

To date, transmission from domestic poultry, through contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or feces, is the most prevalent way this Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu virus has caused human infection. One single incident of wild bird to human transmission has been recorded as described in the above.

The available evidence supports the contention that migrating birds are responsible for part of the spread of the highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu. However, the illegal movement and trade of poultry has also been implicated in the dispersal of the virus and seen by most authorities as the most serious threat to spread the disease.

To date (10/01/07), the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu has not been detected in North America. An extensive government surveillance system has been established to detect its arrival should it occur. The World Organization for Animal Health and The World Health Organization maintain Web pages devoted to reporting all laboratory confirmed cases of the H5 strains of avian flu in humans and animals based on location.

The available evidence supports the contention that migrating birds are responsible for part of the spread of the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu. However, the illegal movement and trade of poultry has also been implicated in the dispersal of the virus and seen by most authorities as the most serious threat to spread the disease.

What binds the success men have still against the reach of a pandemic is that H5N1 spreads only from a bird to a human. The need of the hour is take a quicker look to examine the nature of such a belief. Tutorial on how to create buttons in Microsoft Outlook to open websites, files, or even programs to save you time and effort if you constantly use Outlook and dont want to always be opening and closing windows to open things.

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.

Avian influenza is transmitted from infected live birds to humans. Human-to-human transmission is inefficient. Outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry have recently been reported in some Asian and European countries, and some cases of human infection have been reported. Hong Kong has an effective surveillance system for influenza in birds and humans. The Department of Health has been closely monitoring the situation and has adopted appropriate preventive measures to guard against the disease.

Right now, the H5N1 virus is the greatest threat for pandemic. However, other strains of bird flu have also infected people in recent years and have the potential to cause to a pandemic.

Transmission can occur from infected poultry, primarily chickens and ducks, or their feces to humans and other poultry. There is no evidence that eating properly cooked poultry or eggs can cause infection. Your risk of contracting avian flu depends on your proximity to infected poultry; there is currently minimal risk for members of the Ohio State community.

There is no vaccine for humans against avian flu. The vaccine against human influenza virus does not protect against avian flu.

Currently, there is an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia and Eastern Europe. This influenza virus, which is of H5N1 type, is highly pathogenic to most domestic birds, that is, it kills many of thosethat become infected. It has also infected some people, and has killed about half of those who are known to be infected. (H and N types refer to the specific strain. There are several different types of avian influenza,and they are identified by these H and N components.

The federal government has established a Web site for avian flu that provides a central source of information on management of the virus. The site confirms the involvement of the federal agencies in the monitoring of and response to emerging information and offers links to relevant avian flu information.

this time, the risk to most people from avian flu is low. If you are planning to visit areas affected by avian flu, please see the information for travelers. Practice good health habits everyday: wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. For more personal hygiene tips, please see Fighting the Flu. Do not touch sick or dead birds and avoid touching bird droppings. If you touch a sick/dead bird or bird droppings, wash your hands with warm water and soap right away.