WHO and FAO concerned for bird flu: the epidemic continues. Out of 10 cases in Vietnam studied 8 persons died, only one recovered and the other is in critical conditions

Rome (Fides) - Bird flue is lethal and human victims usually die in a few days after showing the first symptoms, coughing, difficult breathing. This has emerged from a study on cases of contagion among humans of the virus H5N1: according to the study carried out by World Health Organisation WHO, out of 10 episodes registered in Vietnam 8 persons died, only one recovered and the other is in critical conditions
The results were announced on the day that China confirmed two new areas of bird flu in China’s finance capital Shanghai and in Tianjin, only 100 km from Beijing
The total number of humans affected by bird flu rose after Vietnam confirmed the death of a man for bird flu. So far in Asia 21 people have died. A 15 year old boy living in Thanh Hoa province northern Vietnam was the 15th victim in that country and the total number in Thailand is six.
Seed beds are reported in Tibet at Lhasa: 15 of China’s 31 provinces are affected. Bird flu has struck in Baicheng, Jilin province and in the provinces of Hubei and Guangdong. 41 seed-beds are confirmed, 20 are suspect. (AP) (16/2/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22 Parole: 278)