WHO: Asian Bird Flu Could Surpass SARS

Jan. 14, 2004

MANILA, Philippines, (UPI) -- The World Health Organization has warned Asian bird flu could be much deadlier than SARS if it mutates and spreads to humans, the BBC said Wednesday.

WHO spokesman Peter Cordingley said "widespread damage" could be done by a genetic mutation.

"The common human flu virus is far more infectious than the SARS virus and can spread by aerosol and not just through droplets as in the case of SARS virus."

"The mortality rate is far higher than that of the SARS virus," he said.

Three deaths in Vietnam have been linked to the disease, which is affecting poultry across Asia.

Up to 12 people are thought to have been infected with avian flu in the Vietnam outbreak, including the three who have died.

Experts said all cases seen so far in humans have occurred after people had been in close contact with sick birds.

In a Hong Kong outbreak in 1997, the disease killed six out of 18 people who were infected.

SARS has killed around 800 people worldwide and infected at least 8,400 since it first emerged in November 2002.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040114-085603-6470r.htm