WHO urged to prepare for a new pandemic

The world community must prepare for the fact that bird flu could lead to a new pandemic, World HEALTH Organization (WHO) epidemiologist Richard Peabody said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

Now, as the specialist noted, there are fears that this virus can be transmitted from person to person and at the same time in a sustainable way.

“We have to prepare for this. The scientific community is studying the genetic sequence of these viruses in order to monitor them, as well as develop vaccines that will be available if necessary,” he added.

Peabody explained that the new outbreak that wiped out millions of wild and domestic birds around the world began two to three years ago due to a special type of A(H5N1) virus.

“We want to say that you need to be vigilant. it is important that people do not pick up dead or dying birds or other animals. And that poultry workers are well protected,” the epidemiologist warned. This problem can be especially dangerous in rural areas among lower-middle income households, in which it is common to keep poultry.

Outbreaks of this highly pathogenic avian influenza were first reported in 1996. Since 2003, cases of the disease have been reported in people who, due to their activities, had close contact with the bird. This strain is dangerous by rapid spread through the lower respiratory tract, during which it causes viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome.