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| {{Avian influenza}} | | {{Avian influenza}} |
| {{CMG}}
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| Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click [[Help:How_to_Edit_a_Page|here]] to learn about editing.
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| ==Classification==
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| ===H5N1 Subtype===
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| {{H5N1}}
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| {{details more|H5N1|Transmission and infection of H5N1}}
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| The highly [[pathogenic]] [[Influenza A virus]] subtype [[H5N1]] [[virus]] is an emerging avian [[influenza virus]] that has been causing global concern as a potential [[pandemic]] threat. It is often referred to simply as "bird flu" or "avian [[influenza]]" even though it is only one subtype of avian [[influenza]] causing [[virus]].
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| [[H5N1]] has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the co-existence of human flu [[virus]]es and avian flu [[virus]]es (especially [[H5N1]]) will provide an opportunity for [[genetic]] material to be exchanged between [[species]]-specific [[virus]]es, possibly creating a new [[virulent]] [[influenza]] strain that is easily [[transmission|transmissible]] and lethal to humans.<ref name=FSRIO>Food Safety Research Information Office. [http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/document_fsheet.php?product_id=207 "A Focus on Avian Influenza"]. Created May 2006, Updated November 2007.</ref>
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| Since the first [[H5N1]] [[outbreak]] occurred in 1997, there has been an increasing number of HPAI [[H5N1]] bird-to-human [[transmission]]s leading to clinically severe and fatal human [[infection]]s. However, because there is a significant [[species]] barrier that exists between birds and humans, the [[virus]] does not easily cross over to humans, though some cases of [[infection]] are being researched to discern whether human to human [[transmission]] is occurring. More research is necessary to understand the [[pathogenesis]] and [[epidemiology]] of the [[H5N1]] [[virus]] in humans. Exposure routes and other disease [[transmission]] characteristics such as [[genetic]] and [[immunological]] factors, that may increase the likelihood of [[infection]], are not clearly understood<ref name=WHO>World Health Organization. (2006). [[http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/%23humans http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/#humans] Avian influenza (" bird flu") – The Disease in Humans.] Retrieved April 6, 2006.</ref>.
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| Although millions of birds have become [[infect]]ed with the [[virus]] since its discovery, 206 humans have died from the [[H5N1]] in twelve countries according to [[WHO]] data as of November 2007.
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| The Avian Flu claimed at least 200 humans in Romania, Greece, Turkey and Russia. [[Epidemiologist]]s are afraid that the next time such a [[virus]] [[mutation|mutates]], it could pass from human to human. If this form of [[transmission]] occurs, another big [[pandemic]] could result. However, disease-control centers around the world are making avian flu their top priority.
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| ''Bird flu'' may refer to:
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| * [[Avian influenza]] - another name for bird flu or avian [[influenza]]
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| * [[H5N1]] - the current type of bird flu [[virus]] that is the worst [[pandemic]] threat
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| * [[Influenzavirus A|Influenza A virus]] - the species of [[virus]] that causes all bird flu.
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
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