New strain of bird flu claims another life

(Vatican Radio) A 55-year-old man in central China has died from a new strain of bird flu. His death brings to 27 the number of deaths from the mysterious H7N9 virus. Scientists say the virus, which has infected 126 people in China, is a threat to world health and should be taken seriously. Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is as yet no evidence of human-to-human transmission of this virus.
Lydia O’Kane spoke to Glenn Thomas, Communcations Officer at WHO about what is being done to contain it.
“He says the Chinese have done some actions which appear to have had an impact in reducing the following effects of infection…”
Mr Thomas explains that a team of experts went to visit China and were looking at some of the live markets where animals are sold. When some of the markets were closed, a drop was seen in the number of infections. However, he points out that, the drop in infections, “is not something we can apportion to the closure of a market, but it is certainly something that gives us an idea that perhaps this is one of the areas where prevention measures can be implemented.” Listen