Research has revealed that the Spanish flu virus, which killed 50 million people, has mutations similar to the current bird flu. Experts warn of an outbreak
American scientists have discovered that the strain of the virus that caused the Spanish flu, which claimed the lives of 50 million victims between 1918-1919, is genetically related to the bird flu virus now discovered in Asia.
According to the researchers, this emphasizes the seriousness of the danger of the current bird flu. So far, bird flu in Asia has killed 65 people.
The researchers studied virus samples from the tissues of plague victims in 1918, and thus were able to piece together the entire genetic sequence of the virus. They mapped mutations in the genes that control the virus's ability to replicate in the host cell, which may have helped the 1918 virus replicate more easily. So far, they say, the current bird flu virus strain has only some, not all, of the same mutations.
The BBC reported that experts believe it is only a matter of time before the current Asian virus kills many people, possibly after connecting with another human flu virus.
The US is not ready to deal with bird flu
The US is not ready to deal with bird flu. This is according to the draft of the plan of the George Bush administration, for a future outbreak of the disease in the USA.
According to the document, obtained by the "New York Times", a major outbreak that starts in Asia may reach the US within a few months or even a few weeks. In the worst case, more than 1.9 million people could die from the plague.
If the plague does reach the US, the document predicts that the hospitals will be filled to the brim, there will be many riots over receiving vaccinations and there will be shortages of food and water.
Bird flu has killed millions of birds in Asia and infected 116 people, of whom 60 died. If the virus develops the ability to pass easily from person to person, it could kill millions, experts say.
The plan, the final formula of which will be distributed later this month, states that in the event of an outbreak of the epidemic, there will be a need for closures and travel restrictions. According to the document, in the worst case, 8.5 million residents will be hospitalized and the cost of their treatment
And dealing with the epidemic will cost 450 million dollars.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Bush asked the manufacturers of the avian flu vaccine to make a special effort to increase its production.
