H5N1 virus increases toxicity

Mr. York Chow
(Photo: polyu.edu)

The H5N1 avian influenza virus may have changed and easily spread in warm weather no less than winter, according to Hong Kong York Chow health chief.

The recently infected bird flu in China is a 31-year-old truck driver who lives in Shenzhen city. This patient became infected during the summer time (June 3) after going to a poultry market in the area, but did not have contact for a long time with sick poultry.

Mr Chow said the case was unusual and showed that the H5N1 virus's toxicity could have increased, because it is usually transmitted only to people who have been exposed to long-term sickness and often spread it in winter.