Avian Flu

An infection caused by avian (bird) influenza viruses which occur naturally among birds and can be transferred to people who have close contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. The spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another has been reported in rare instances, but transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications.