Jan 20 2009
Bird Flu Rises Again in China
Beijing reports it has suffered its fourth case of bird flu since the beginning of the year. A teenager, identified as Wu, from Hunan province in China has been diagnosed with H5N1 and hospitalized. Reports have him listed in serious condition.
According to local news agencies, the 16-year old boy had contact with infected poultry that has now been culled.
Although no one in contact with Wu has developed symptoms, his family and close associates are under close observation. “The people who had close contact with the patient are under medical observation.”
The first bird flu death occurred on January 5, followed by a second last Saturday. One other 2-year old girl is also infected, however, the source of her infection is unknown.
H5N1 is the deadly strain of bird flu that can impact humans with severe symptoms and possible death. According to Chinese officials, the country’s medical and security personnel have been doing everything they can in order to contain the infection and prevent an outbreak.
Although there is a vaccine for H5N1, the volume of shots needed for China or the rest of the world is unprecedented.
