Psyche, Science, and Society

Suggested human-to-human avian flu transmission

May 23rd, 2006

The World health Organization is reporting that human-to-human transmission is likely in the Indonesian cluster of eight infected family members. [See Effect Measure: WHO update on Indonesia cluster: not comforting]

All confirmed cases in the cluster can be directly linked to close and prolonged exposure to a patient during a phase of severe illness. Although human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out, the search for a possible alternative source of exposure is continuing.

While no cause for alarm now, this is disturbing news. It suggests the virus is mutating to be more compatible with humans.

Entry Filed under: Avian flu, Public Health