12 December 2008

Bird Flu

The avian flu strain H5N1 commonly known as the Bird flu made it's first biggest hit in Asia in 2004 claiming the lives of~30 people is now reemerging. To this year, ~300+ cases resulting in death have been recorded. The natural host of the H5N1 strain are ducks but the virus can cross the species barrier and infect humans as well. The most recent cases reported by WHO (World Health Organization) in December 2008 occurred in Indonesia and Cambodia. In two of the three cases, the victims are confirmed to have been around birds.
Since we've talked about vaccines in class, I wonder how much Baxter would help out if people in this area are vaccinated with it? I don't know if these countries (people within these countries) are able to afford this vaccine.

References:
http://www.who.int/en/

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