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Romanians risk catching bird flu - WHO
BUCHAREST (AFX) - An outbreak of deadly bird flu sweeping through poultry
flocks in rural Romania threatens the lives of people living there, a World
Health Organisation team said.
"With 31 sites of avian influenza, Romania runs the risk of human
contamination at any moment," expert Guenael Rodier told a press conference
after a four-day visit.
"We are here to plan with the Romanian authorities the means for avoiding
the appearance of human infections," he said.
"We are going to propose infrastructure projects, especially for poorer
regions affected by avian influenza and deprived of sewerage or running water,
with the aim of attracting funds from international donors such as the World
Bank."
Since Oct 7, when the first H5N1 bird flu case was discovered in poultry in
Romania, more than 150,000 birds have been slaughtered and 2.5 mln people
vaccinated against common flu.
Health authorities yesterday confirmed the presence of the H5N1 in three
southeastern villages, bringing to 31 the number of villages affected by the
virus.
Officials have declared the disease eradicated in 25 areas after killing of
birds and disinfection.
"Until now we have been lucky enough to be spared the appearance of human
bird flu cases. ... we have limits and we need help," said Adrian Streinu
Cercel, director of the Bucherest Infectious Diseases Institute.
newsdesk@afxnews.com
afp/ra
BUCHAREST (AFX) - An outbreak of deadly bird flu sweeping through poultry
flocks in rural Romania threatens the lives of people living there, a World
Health Organisation team said.
"With 31 sites of avian influenza, Romania runs the risk of human
contamination at any moment," expert Guenael Rodier told a press conference
after a four-day visit.
"We are here to plan with the Romanian authorities the means for avoiding
the appearance of human infections," he said.
"We are going to propose infrastructure projects, especially for poorer
regions affected by avian influenza and deprived of sewerage or running water,
with the aim of attracting funds from international donors such as the World
Bank."
Since Oct 7, when the first H5N1 bird flu case was discovered in poultry in
Romania, more than 150,000 birds have been slaughtered and 2.5 mln people
vaccinated against common flu.
Health authorities yesterday confirmed the presence of the H5N1 in three
southeastern villages, bringing to 31 the number of villages affected by the
virus.
Officials have declared the disease eradicated in 25 areas after killing of
birds and disinfection.
"Until now we have been lucky enough to be spared the appearance of human
bird flu cases. ... we have limits and we need help," said Adrian Streinu
Cercel, director of the Bucherest Infectious Diseases Institute.
newsdesk@afxnews.com
afp/ra