CDC: Bird flu pandemic possible, "#1 threat to health'

[Bluebear]

Recommendations for now include making sure all travelers to Asia should get a flu shot. Very scary news....

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050222/ap_on_he_me/bird_flu_8

WASHINGTON - A bird flu virus may mutate to a human form that becomes as deadly as the ones that killed millions during three influenza pandemics of the 20th century.

Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Monday that scientists believe it is highly likely that the virus that has swept through bird populations in Asia will evolve into a pathogen deadly for humans.

The avian flu now spreading in Asia is part of what is called the H1 family of flu viruses. It is a pathogen that is notorious in human history.

"Each time we see a new H1 antigen emerge, we experience a pandemic of influenza," said Gerberding. In 1918, H1 appeared and millions died worldwide. In 1957, the Asian flu was an H2, and the Hong Kong flu in 1968 was a H3.

[nostamj]

1. oh relax chickenflu little!!!!

I just heard a bushwhore telling a cnnwhore that there is NO problem. no epidemic. birds love freedom, birds love spreading freedom to statuary worldwide.

calm the fuck down already!

[yinkaafrica]

2. What does 'H1' stand for?

Sounds like H1 is deadlier than H2 or H3.

[Quixote1818]

3. Perhaps this will solve our Social Security Problem

I always look on the brite side.

[Bluebear]

4. There is a FUTURE for you in this administration!

:)

[BrooklineT]

5. CDC official just on MSNBC and said

there's no epidemic now. Just keeping an eye on it.

[Bluebear]

6. ABC news said it would be "SARS on steroids"

And that they are urging this administration to start making preparations NOW and not ignoring it like they do anything else that is going to affect THIS country :)