United Nations in the Philippines

How far has it spread?

Cases of infections among poultry and wild birds have already been reported in 49 countries.

As of 24 March 2006 there have been 185 cases of human infections and 104 deaths.

Nine countries have reported laboratory-confirmed human cases in the current outbreak which was first identified in Vietnam in December 2003.

A Threat to Influenza Pandemic AVIAN FLU

What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.

In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called low pathogenic form commonly causes only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.

Other related links:
World Health Organization
World Organization for Animal Health
Humanitarian Early Warning Update (IASC)
UN System Influenza Coordination (UNSIC)
FAO: Avian Influenza Updates

Other sites:
World Bank website on the Beijing pledging conference and follow-up
Asia - Pacific Area network
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centre of Excellent in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance
HELLIS: Avian Flu Updates
The Poultry Site
US Center for Disease Control avian flu pages
Wall Street Journal runs a very up to date daily news tracker

United Nations in the Philippines
Trunkline: (632) 901.0100
Directline: (632) 889.7447
Fax: (632) 901.0404 / 901.0200

Visiting Address:
29th Floor, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, 1226 Makati City, Philippine

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 7285 Domestic Airport Post Office Lock Box, 1300 Domestic Road, Pasay City, Philippines