Nor is it easily passed from human to human: there have been only three suspected cases, in Thailand, Hong Kong and Vietnam, where this is believed to have happened.
The operative word is suspected. They have never proven that those cases were transmitted through human contact and most scientists consider that kind of transmission highly unlikely primarily because of one simple fact: avian flu has not mutated yet to permit transmission from human to human. The only reason those three cases are suspected is because they can't find any other reason for the cause of the disease in those three people.
Is it spread like 'regular' influenza?
"So far, no human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus has been identified. If these H5N1 viruses gain the ability for transmission between humans, influenza pandemic could result with high rates of illness and death. A pandemic is an epidemic over a wide geographic area and affecting a large proportion of the population."
dailydemocrat.com
How does bird flu spread?
Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. The spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another has been reported very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person.
cdc.gov
My point: you are worrying people needlessly.
If, in fact, human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has occurred, it is extremely rare. But what you said is that there have been "a number of cases" and that "you believe [human to human transmission]is very likely". You also said that human-to-human transmission occurred in Indonesia when there is no proof of that.
This disease is scary enough without encouraging anxiety in people. I think you have a great deal of good knowledge on the subject and people respect what you have to say. I would encourage you to stick just to the facts....that way no one can get confused.
From your prior posts:
"When I bought antiviral drugs reports indicated a number of cases where transmission of H5N1 was likely human to human as no animal contact was demonstrated. I still believe this is likely."
and
"Days after human-to-human transmission was reported in Indonesia, sales of anti-viral medications started to climb in America. Why should this surprise you? I bought some myself that week. I think its only sensible." |
