planet earth looks blue

The Avian Flu is circling around the East again, striking China and Vietnam last month.  As of now the virus has only killed a handful of people, four in China, and one woman in Vietnam, and only a handful more are known to be infected.  China is taking precautionary measures, killing 13,000 birds in the country’s northwest.  India as well has destroyed thousands of birds, in its northeastern region.  

Since 2003 just over 250 people have died from the bird flu.  It isn’t contagious between humans, only those who handle infected birds are susceptible to the virus, and most often children or young adults become victim.  Researchers are afraid however that the virus could eventually mutate enough to be spread between humans, leading to an epidemic.  Many nations have taken precautionary measures, stocking up on flu vaccines and anti-viral medications.  Earlier this month scientists discovered a component of the H5N1 bird flu virus which is necessary for the virus to replicate itself.  With more research, a drug could possibly be developed that could directly cure the avian flu.  Once again it is the great race, science versus nature.  In the meantime - the birds will have to go.