The Risk of Avian Flu

Описание: June 7, 2006
Dr. Robert Webster
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Dr. Webster discusses the risk of a pandemic influenza caused by the transfer of Influenza A viruses or virus gene segments from aquatic birds to domestic animals and humans. Since 2004, the risk of a major flu pandemic has been associated with the H5N1 subtype of Influenza A virus, commonly referred to as avian flu or bird flu. Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans are thought to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. Dr. Webster talks about the prospects of the H5N1 virus becoming consistently transmitted from human to human, resulting in a global catastrophe.