WHO report charts disturbing changes in avian flu virus, urges preparations
Helen BranswellCanadian PressMay 21, 2005TORONTO (CP) - The World Health Organization urged countries to make full haste with pandemic influenza preparations Wednesday as it released a report outlining disturbing changes to the H5N1 virus circulating in Asia.
The report raises concerns that molecular and disease pattern evidence may indicate the virus is becoming more adept at infecting people. It also reveals some strains of the H5N1 virus may be developing resistance to oseltamivir, the drug wealthy nations are flocking to stockpile as fears of a pandemic mount.
An influenza expert who helped draft the report said it's meant to convey the message that the level of anxiety regarding the virus has risen.
"I think it's fair to say that the report signifies a definite step up in concern," said Dr. Keiji Fukuda, a flu specialist from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control who is being seconded to WHO's global influenza program.
The report concedes the authors had limited scientific evidence on which to determine whether H5N1 is becoming an even graver risk to mankind. [...]
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