Mammals at greater risk as bird flu strain mutates

Mammals at greater risk as bird flu strain mutates

Scientists in Vietnam believe the H5N1 bird flu strain has mutated, allowing it to breed more effectively in mammals, though not necessarily in humans, online newspaper VnExpress said yesterday.

Scientists at the Pasteur Institute found significant variations in 24 samples from humans and poultry. The findings corroborate the belief that H5N1 would not have to mix with a human flu strain to become a form causing a human pandemic.

The UN said that Indonesia must strengthen its response to bird flu after the death of a woman, 20, who had shown symptoms.

This does not look good.

I was also not aware of the Pasteur Institute's findings. I'll need to do additional research there...



[edit on 13-11-2005 by loam]

Yeop...this is so not good. I'm not a doctor, but I bet it picks up steam now if this is true. I still think we've got a year here in the US before it hits us...that's a HOPE, and gawd I hope I'm right, cuz I got things to do yet before I'm even a little ready for this.