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WHO says rapid
containment measures could prevent bird flu pandemic
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JAKARTA (AP) - The World Health Organization said Tuesday it believes a bird flu pandemic can still be prevented if authorities are ready to implement rapid containment measures - from the large-scale distribution of anti-viral drugs to the closure of schools. WHO's regional director, Dr. Shigeru Omi, told a seminar in the Indonesian capital that if such interventions are successful "we may prevent hundreds of millions of serious human infections and millions of deaths.'' |
"But if we fail, the consequences for societies, economies and global health could be immeasurable,'' he said. So far, the H5N1 bird flu virus - which is not yet pandemic flu because it doesn't move easily between people - has infected 204 people and killed 113, according to WHO. Most of the human cases have been in Asia, but birds with the disease have been found in Europe. |
"We still believe it is possible to stop or delay a pandemic by implementing rapid containment measures very quickly,'' Omi said. "These measures may include the large-scale administration of anti-viral drugs, quarantine, travel restrictions and social distancing, such as the closure of schools.'' |
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