• • • • • The Development ofAvianInfluenza • • Avian Influenza A (H5N1) virus. of theinfluenza A strains type caused by It humans. is and suchaspigsinfluenza mammals can also be infected withavian Someother birds. allspeciesof affect infectionthatcan isaviral Avian influenza Facts aboutavian(bird)influenza June 2005 This fact sheet provides basic information for health care workers. Thailand. Thailand. northern part of Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and in human casessevere of respiratory disease in the Tests have confirmed the presence of H5N1virus population ofmany South East Asian countries poultry the in endemic now is flu Avian in Hong Kong. was identified avian influenza outbreak of H5N1 Alarmmounted again inFebruary 2003,when an caused withmortality. high severe illness humansto and directlywas virus transmitted marked This first an the that time avian influenza respiratory disease. 1997,when the H5N1 strain caused severe avian influenzavirus occurred in Hong Kong in firstThe documented infection of humanswith • • • • H5N1 is of particular concernbecause: H5N1. is which of one viruses, influenza aremanyThere different subtypes of typeA of humans increases opportunities the continuedThe spread of infection in birds infecting other species viruses from genes acquire to likely Is It can causesevere humans disease in virus mutates rapidly The
for directinfection for CareHealth Provider’s Hotline 1-866-212-2272 free: Or calltoll www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/emu/emu_mn.html For more information • • Protection against Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
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