The following information is taken from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website:
FAQ’s: H5N1 Influenza…
- H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or “bird flu”).
- Since November 2003 when the first human cases were reported, human cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been occurring occasionally. The virus does not infect humans easily, and spread from person to person appears to be unusual.
- Almost all cases of H5N1 infection in people have been associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds, or H5N1-contaminated environments.
- The disease is of concern because:
– When people do become infected the mortality rate is about 60%.
– This is a “novel” (non-human) virus and therefore has the potential to cause a pandemic if it were to change to become easily and sustainably spread from person-to-person. So far, this virus has not been determined to have that capability. However, influenza viruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could gain that ability. - WHO is publishing information on human cases with H5N1 avian influenza infection on a monthly basis.
- Additional information can be found at the CDC’s H5N1 Website.
St. Olaf College will continue to monitor this situation and take appropriate steps (if ever necessary) to ensure the safety of our students, employees, and visitors.