Avian Flu Virus Has the Potential to Spread to Humans

The H5N1 avian flu first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, many people have become concerned that the bird flu could mutate and be capable of spreading to humans. In a recent press release, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provide more information on how the bird flu virus has the potential to be spread from one person to another.

The avian flu virus has mutated since its appearance in 1997. While the virus can presently be transmitted to humans, it is uncommon. A total of 250 cases of human infections have been reported worldwide.

Researchers have found a key step that they believe must happen before the virus can be more easily transmitted from human-to-human.

The upper respiratory system is the key
Our bodies are made up of cells, but not all of the cells are the same. Unlike the common cold, the avian flu virus cannot live in respiratory cells, or our upper respiratory tract. Flu viruses often mutate. If the bird flu virus mutates so that it can live in our upper respiratory system, the chances of people spreading the avian flu from human to human increase.

Like the common cold, if the virus can live in our respiratory system, it would be capable of being spread from person to person much easier. It would have the potential to be spread very closely to how the common cold is spread - primarily through coughs, and sneezes.

"The viruses that are in circulation now are much more mammalian-like than the ones circulating in 1997. The viruses that are circulating in Africa and Europe are the ones closest to becoming a human virusm," said Kawaoka, an internationally recognized authority on influenza.

What is the avian flu
The avian flu is a virus that wild birds often carry in their intestines. Most birds don't get sick from it. It's very contagious and birds can easily spread it from one bird to anther.

How the bird flu is spread
Infected birds can spread the virus by their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Domestic birds, such as turkeys, ducks, and chickens, can become infected if they have close contact with infected, wild birds. The animals can become very sick and die.