We haven't heard much in the news lately about Avian Influenza (bird flu), but after receiving news from a relative in the Atlanta area who is nearing the completion of his nursing degree, we might want to read up on this health topic. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has very recently had meetings with healthcare professionals in Georgia about how to prepare for a bird flu outbreak in the U.S., the CDC Website offers little updated news about the virus. Information on Avian Influenza outbreaks in the U.S. stops at 2004.
The World Health Organization has answered the question: "Is the world adequately prepared for a possible bird flu pandemic?" The short answer is NO. Here's the long answer.
Also, check out these two New York Times articles for more background about bird flu in the U.S. and the bird flu vaccine:
States and Cities Lag in Bird Flu Readiness
Maker Calls New Bird Flu Vaccine More Effective
I don't know about you, but I'm tempted to call some television news programs, The New York Times, The Tennessean, etc., to ask why they aren't covering this possible health catastrophe. Shoud we go out and purchase loads of masks, hand sanitizer and bottled water, just to be prepared?
2 comments:
The bird flu is killing 9 people a month compared to 4 a month last year. Infections have doubled and the death rate has stayed around 73% yet no one is concerned. Why?
There is talk of a vaccine. So no worries right? Remember china vaccinated all their chickens last year and now they are having the same outbreaks. If a vaccine works against a virus so well why isn't the common cold cured?
The new TB in Africa has killed more in one month than the Bird flu has killed in 3 years. It has gone airborne. Yet we are not concerned.
For too long we have been led to believe that we are safe here. Its an Asian disease. Well those domestic chickens were probably told the same thing. We have been coddled, vaccinated, given treated water and clean sheets. What could possible happen in this safe enviroment?
Mike,
Thanks for commenting. I'm trying to figure out why none of the major or local news outlets are trying to update us on the status of this. I guess it may be as you said, perhaps people are relying on that nonexistant vaccine.
Yikes!
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