STAT : reported that Human cases of H7N9 bird flu are surging, officials say

And with this large burst of cases, H7N9 has overtaken another bird flu, H5N1, which has been causing sporadic human infections at least a decade longer than H7N9. Like all bird flu viruses, H7N9 originated in wild aquatic birds such as ducks. Overall, 460 of the 1,258 H7N9 cases have been recorded in the latest wave of cases. ATLANTA — Scientists and public health authorities are expressing alarm about an extraordinary surge in bird flu infections among humans. Peiris, a veteran bird flu researcher, called H7N9 "the most significant pandemic threat currently."A CDC risk assessment concurs, placing H7N9 at the top of the list of pandemic threats from among a dozen bird and animal flu viruses.

Vigilance required as bird flu cases surge, WHO says

A recent surge of bird flu infections in humans this season has alarmed scientists and public health officials. "If avian viruses were to acquire these changes, this could result in a pandemic." "However, constant change is the nature of all influenza viruses, and that is why we follow the developments so closely."Especially given the rapid spread of bird flu over its short history, Zhang's warning rings true. Although the risk of sustained transmission between humans remains low, the changing nature of influenza viruses requires close monitoring, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. Other symptoms of bird flu range from pink eye to flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia.

Upstate flu cases peak late in season

collected by :Lucy William
To follow all the new news about

VIRUSES and INFECTIONS