Short communication, Note
Avian Influenza in Turkey – Will It Influence Health in All Europe?
Ersin Akpinar
Esra Saatci
Abstract
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian influenza
(bird flu) viruses, which occur naturally among birds.
Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines,
but usually do not get sick. However, avian influenza is
very contagious among birds and can cause illness and death
in some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks,
and turkeys. The virus can transmit from birds to humans,
causing lethal infections, but as yet the virus does not easily
transmit from human to human. However, there is a
substantial risk of either re-assortment of virus (combination
of avian and human influenza), or adaptation of the
influenza virus to humans. The present situation in Turkey
emphasizes the importance of good surveillance and
updated pandemic plans in all countries.
Keywords
avian influenza; public health; Turkey
Hrčak ID:
1823
URI
Publication date:
15.2.2006.
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