Facts about bird flu

Facts about bird flu

Here is a look at the bird flu spreading through Asia.

WHAT IS IT: A form of influenza believed to strike all birds, though domestic poultry are believed especially prone to it. It also has jumped to humans, though no human-to-human transmission has been reported. WHERE IS IT: The H5N1 flu has been reported in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The virus that has killed flocks in Pakistan, Laos and Taiwan is a different, milder strain of avian flu, not the same kind that's a threat to people. Myanmar officials are denying reports by U.S. health authorities that their country also is affected. Thailand and Vietnam have reported human cases. HOW MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED: Ten confirmed human deaths -- eight in Vietnam and two in Thailand. Several others are sick with the virus or are suspected of having it. Many victims have been young children. HOW IT'S PASSED: Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, feces, and nasal secretions. So far, only humans with direct contact with sick birds have caught the disease. But scientists are worried that bird flu could link with regular human influenza, mutate, and become a deadly new virus and trigger a pandemic SYMPTOMS IN BIRDS: Loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, fever, weakness, diarrhea, excessive thirst, swelling. If the strain is virulent, mortality rate can range between 50 percent to 100 percent. SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia. OTHER HUMAN OUTBREAKS: Bird flu was first reported in humans in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, it's popped up mostly in Asia, although the Netherlands reported an outbreak, including human cases, in 2003. TREATMENT FOR HUMANS: World Health Organization says this year's strain is resistant to cheaper anti-viral drugs, amantadine and rimantadine. Scientists are exploring more expensive treatment. WHO also recommends quarantining sick people. FOOD SAFETY: There's no evidence that the virus is being passed through eating chicken products, health experts say. Heat kills viruses, and WHO says chicken products should be cooked thoroughly at temperatures of at least 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). WHO also says people should wash their hands after handling poultry and ensure that poultry carcasses do not contaminate other objects.

Sources: World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization -- AP