News from Around the World

I just noticed this item.

Blog #2: The Bird Flu, specifically known as the H5N1 strain of the virus, has depleted poultry populations in mulitple parts of asia as well as 60 people. Though strains spreading from human-to-human have not been found, scientists are afraid the virus will mutate. This mutation might possibly make the Bird Flu easily transferable between individuals. Scientists predict that, in a worst case scenario, a new strain of the Bird Flu could wipe out millions of people. In the last century three pandemics have occured and scientists warn another is very possible. “Whether or not H5N1 is the virus that will ultimately trigger such a pandemic is unknown to us,” Mike Leavitt told a news conference. “The probability is uncertain. But the warning signs are troubling. Hence we are responding in a robust way.” In retatilliation to the virus, George W. Bush has formed the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza to develop a strategy to preventing the spread of the Bird Flu and other pandemics. According to Leavitt, containment is the best way to currently battle the virus. He has urged countries to help prevent the spread as well. “Now we know in advance what is happening and we have to prepare ourselves. That is our duty,” Leavitt said. I believe as long as countries continue to cooperate in the fight against the bird flu, a quicker solution to this virus as well as other future pandemics can be prevented. With the most recent pandemics experienced, I believe all precautions should be taken. Preventing further spread and increasing study of strains of the bird flu will benefit the future of the Asian countries who are suffering, as well as the rest of the world.

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