Over 100 Bird Flu H5N1 Outbreaks In Burma

According to He Changchui, who works for the United Nation's Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), the bird flu situation in Burma (Myanmar) is much more serious than agencies had imagined. There are over 100 outbreaks in the country, mainly in Mandalay and Sagaing.


The recent outbreaks started on March 13, the first one officially confirmed in Burma since 2004.


He Changchui said it has been difficult to get reliable data as awareness in the country is poor and information is not that comprehensive. He said the country urgently needs assistance from abroad as it has very little scientific equipment and know-how.


David Nabarro, United Nations Bird Flu Co-ordinator, said agencies will be focusing on Burma a lot in the next few days and weeks in an attempt to get authorities and the population there to better cope with the situation.


So far, there have been no reported human infections.


It is crucial that nations cooperate with each other if we are to have a chance at combating the spread and development of bird flu H5N1. Some countries, such as North Korea, worry health experts. Even though very little is reported from North Korea, mainly because it is run by a totalitarian system which controls the information channels with an iron grip, the country is in a part of the world where there have been many bird flu outbreaks. If humans are becoming infected in North Korea and we do not know about it, the chances of H5N1 mutating and becoming a much more serious threat to global human health is greater.


Our effectiveness in tackling the bird flu threat is only as strong as our weakest link. All our efforts around the world would be in vain if the mutation took place in a country that clamps down on public health information.