WHO warns of an outbreak of bird flu

World Health Organization (WHO) on December 17 warned countries about avian influenza after a series of outbreaks in some countries last weekend.

Peter Cordingley, WHO spokesman in the Western Pacific region of Manila (Philippines), said: 'Supervision plays an important role in public health' . In addition, WHO also reminded countries that the H5N1 virus is often active during the winter months. Cordingley said: 'Avian flu often appears at this time of year, not only in Asia but also in the West. Therefore, the time from now to April next year is often a very dangerous time . '

Two Pakistani brothers Mohammed Ishtiaq (right) and Mohammed Tariq are treated for suspected bird flu. The other two brothers died of H5N1. (Photo: AP)

The warning came a few days after Pakistan announced the first case of death from H5N1, while Myanmar confirmed the first case of bird flu. In addition, China recently confirmed two cases of bird flu, of which 1 died; and Indonesia reported cases of deaths from the 93 th bird flu.

Also on December 17, a group of WHO health experts came to Pakistan to help identify the source of infection and the possibility of human bird flu infection in the northwest of the country. The team is expected to arrive in the city of Abbotabad and Mansehra in North-West Frontier Province, where cases of the country's first suspected avian flu, including 4 brothers, 2 cousins, and a man, are present. he and his granddaughter in Abbotabad and one in Mansehra. WHO will conduct further analysis to confirm the above results.

WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said on Dec. 16 that they did not rule out the possibility of human infection. Mr. Hartl said a doctor who took care of the above brothers also had symptoms of the flu, but more tests were needed to determine if she was infected with bird flu. According to WHO statistics, 51 people have died from bird flu since the beginning of 2007. This number was 71 in 2006.

HOANG PHUONG