New Strain of Avian Flu Surfaces in China

A new – and deadly – strain of avian flu has been isolated by Chinese scientists, according to a report published in the British medical journal, The Lancet. So far, only two cases of H10N8 have been identified, both in Jiangxi province. One of them resulted in death. China will establish a sentinel system in hospitals and clinics to watch for an outbreak of the strain. "The pandemic potential of this novel virus should not be underestimated," warned the Lancet authors, though nothing suggests that any mutation has happened to date that would facilitate human-to-human transmission of H10N8. More details.... Share this with colleagues: // //