The Avian Flu is back and more dangerous than ever..... apparently.
This article described new cases that showed that the bird flu (now known as H5N1) has begun to mutate into new strains. Of course, these strains haven't been significantly deadly to humans as of yet; though regular strains of bird flu are capable of jumping to humans, it's quite rare (mostly happening in China). It usually happens when the infected chicken is improperly prepared and fed to humans; and having visited China a year ago, I can say, that happens quite frequently (though it is quite delicious).
To combat the spread of H5N1, hoards of chickens have been culled since the discovery of the bird flu. Now that new strains have been found, the CDC has begun stockpiling virus strains (including H5N1 strains similar to the newly discovered mutants) in order to start research and development of vaccines.
It seems like the CDC has begun a very preemptive strike of sorts; perhaps to avoid another epidemic/panic like the whole swine flu ordeal. Or perhaps it may be because this new strain of bird flu seems to be targeting highly migratory birds which have flown to places where bird flu was never seen. This could turn into a huge problem if the strain mutates into something that can readily infect humans because the CDC, even with all its power, cannot contain the skies. The virus will be impossible to contain unless every bird had its wings chopped off. Though a vaccine should be on the way soon, it may need to get here sooner.
The attempts to collect virus strands are the first step in preventative care. Developing a vaccine by the time the disease is a danger to humans is a clear way to avoid epidemics throughout the world. A major issue that should be addressed is making sure these vaccines and immunizations are reached to those in developing countries. Those with minimal access to such resources need to be included to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine and to obtain “herd immunization”.
ReplyDeleteIf this virus strain mutates into something that infect humans very easily. It can be a serious problem. Because birds migrate. If this virus not only present in the chickens, but also in the birds. It will eventually get to all geographic locations.The world should be preparing for this virus once it come through. We should be making more vaccine now for this strain and give it to everyone.Otherwise this appears to be a highly fatal illness.
ReplyDeleteInfluenza epidemics has been around since at least the 1800s and has presented itself in many different forms. Because there is a long history of these epidemics, it is definitely a wise choice for the CDC to get an early start to research and development of vaccines towards possible future strains. The issues with transmission and containment, however, is not just with birds flying around. We, as humans, have the capability to spread H5N1 to an ever greater extent as well as we travel ourselves and import and export livestock.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, the new movie Contagion is a thriller that speaks strongly to the dangers of fast-moving epidemics and how humans ourselves are the main culprits to spreading such diseases, though I'm not sure how realistic it is. It does, however, has a major focus on international health.