Avian Flu Support Group

H5N1 flu refers to the transmission and infection of H5N1. H5N1 flu is a concern due to the global spread of H5N1 that constitutes a pandemic threat. This article is about the transmission of the H5N1 virus, infection by that virus, the resulting symptoms of that infection (having or coming down with influenza or more specifically avian flu or even more specifically H5N1 flu which can include pneumonia), and the medical response including treatment.

Infected birds pass on H5N1 through their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Other birds may pick up the virus through direct contact with these excretions or when they have contact with surfaces contaminated with this material. Because migratory birds are among the carriers of the H5N1 virus it may spread to all parts of the world. Past outbreaks of avian flu have often originated in crowded conditions in southeast and east Asia, where humans, pigs, and poultry live in close quarters. In these conditions a virus is more likely to mutate into a form that more easily infects humans.

The majority of H5N1 flu cases have been reported in southeast and east Asia. Once an outbreak is detected, local authorities often order a mass slaughter of birds or animals affected. If this is done promptly, an outbreak of avian flu may be prevented. However, the United Nations (UN) World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern that not all countries are reporting outbreaks as completely as they should. China, for example, is known to have initially denied past outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and HIV, although there have been some signs of improvment regarding its openess in recent months, particularly with regard to H5N1.

H5N1 infections in humans are generally caused by bird to human transmission of the virus. A few isolated cases of suspected human to human transmission exist. To date, it has not been proven that these cases actually represent human to human transmission. Until recently, the WHO estimate of the number of human to human transmission has been "two or three cases". On May 24, 2006, Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, estimated that there had been "at least three." On May 30, Maria Cheng, a WHO spokeswoman, said there were "probably about half a dozen," but that noone "has got a solid number." The key point is that, at present, "the virus is not spreading efficiently or sustainably among humans."

There is also concern, although no definitive proof, that other animals particularly cats may be able to act as a bridge between birds and humans. So far several cats have been confirmed to have died from H5N1 and the fact that cats have regular close contact with both birds and humans means monitoring of H5N1 in cats will need to continue.