H5N1 Avian Influenza or Bird flu

[stevedcosta]

Man has been faced with adversity through centuries. And in the rumble man has won sometimes and sometimes man has lost. Similarly, right now, man is faced with a grave challenge as the H5N1 Avian Influenza or Bird flu is making a slow yet steady progress killing people along the way.

Though bird flu has been around for a long time, more recently, it first occurred in Hong Kong in 1997 claiming 18 lives. Since then, with each passing year, this disease has been spreading from one country
to another killing birds and humans alike.
The bird flu though not an epidemic for humans yet, but for some species of birds, it is probably the worst thing that can happen. The effect is so potent that a mortality rate of 100% has been recorded, with the infected birds dying in less than 48 hours.

Bearing in mind these stats, and the number of human cases that have been emerging on a daily basis, it
is just a matter of time before a ‘new and improved’ lethal virus is born. And considering the bouts of outbreaks all over the world, it looks as if a global outbreak is very close.

Hence, let us introspect and ask ourselves, “Are we prepared to be able to face this threat in due course and destroy the disease before it destroys us?”

Well, the answer hangs in a dilemma!

With that in mind, a lot has been said about the ‘human spirit’ and how it always takes a stand during trying times. In that light, now is the right time to shake it up and get it ready for an epic battle. But facing such adversity is not going to be easy. Therefore, we need to be equipped with the right weapon.