Will the H5N1 bird flu virus cause the next influenza pandemic?

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Answer:

Scientists cannot predict whether an avian influenza (H5N1) virus will cause a pandemic. Today, H5N1 is a bird flu. There are no reported cases of sustained human-to-human passage of H5N1. However, as it mutates, it is possible the virus could become capable of passing human to human and then spread very quickly. That is why we are focusing on comprehensive public health efforts — increasing surveillance, monitoring for outbreaks, international cooperation, increasing antiviral stockpiles, and building more robust capacity for vaccine production — that will help protect us no matter what pandemic strain emerges or where.

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Last Updated: 04/03/2007