Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, full text: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
H5N1 influenza viruses: Facts, not fear
Abstract
The ongoing controversy over publication of two studies involving the transmission in ferrets of H5N1 (H5) subtype influenza viruses and the recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to redact key details in the manuscripts call for an examination of relevant scientific facts. In addition, there are calls in the media to destroy the viruses, curtail future research in this area, and protect the public from such ?frightening? research efforts. Fear needs to be put to rest with solid science and not speculation.
- ------ Peter Palese<SUP>a</SUP>,<SUP>b</SUP>,<SUP>1</SUP> and Taia T. Wang<SUP>a</SUP>
Abstract
The ongoing controversy over publication of two studies involving the transmission in ferrets of H5N1 (H5) subtype influenza viruses and the recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to redact key details in the manuscripts call for an examination of relevant scientific facts. In addition, there are calls in the media to destroy the viruses, curtail future research in this area, and protect the public from such ?frightening? research efforts. Fear needs to be put to rest with solid science and not speculation.
- avian influenza
- moratorium
- World Health Organization
- case fatality rate
- National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity
- <SUP>1</SUP>To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: peter.palese@mssm.edu.
- Author contributions: P.P. and T.T.W. wrote the paper.
- The authors declare no conflict of interest.
- *Details of the manuscripts have already been disclosed to many in the field of influenza virology; for example, one of us (P.P.) was sent one of the manuscripts in September 2011 as a courtesy and to elicit comments.