Yesterday, China reported 3 cases of avian influenza infection. All three individuals are located in the outbreak-affected areas of Hunan and Anhui provinces.
The World Health Organization announced that all three individuals were infected with the dangerous H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus, and two of them have died. The victims include a 12-year-old girl from Hunan province and a 24-year-old female poultry worker from Anhui province.
The third case involves a girl who is the sister of a 9-year-old boy who had also been infected but has since recovered.
Chinese authorities are also conducting tests on a poultry worker exhibiting symptoms of infection in Liaoning province, where there have been 4 outbreak sites reported.
In light of this situation, experts are concerned that the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus may mutate into a form that can be easily transmitted from person to person. This concern is heightened due to the large population of poultry in the country, the common practice of cohabiting with poultry among the local population, and the fact that China serves as a gateway for migratory bird flocks.
Workers are conducting disinfection efforts in Liaoning province, China
KINH LUÂN (According to AP)
