Bird Flu Deja Vu

Despite public ennui, the threat of a pandemic is again looming. Reports of human and animal H5N1 bird flu infections are picking up - mainly because the flu is a cold weather virus.

"We expect a repeat of 2006, when the virus suddenly became very active," says Peter Cordingley, a spokesperson for the WHO's Manila-based Western Pacific office.

WHO warns of bird flu 'de javu'

"It's pretty clear why we're seeing these new cases. We're just going into the colder months in the northern hemisphere. The influenza virus is a cold weather virus and is more likely to flourish in this time of year," he (Peter Cordingley, a spokesperson for the WHO's Manila-based Western Pacific office) said.

"We expect a repeat of 2006, when the virus suddenly became very active," spreading to the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Cordingley said.

"It's a cold weather virus and everybody should be on their toes," he warned.

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WHO expects global bird flu resurgence

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The lethal bird flu virus has resurfaced across Asia, putting governments around the region on high alert.

Expect case numbers to rise, along with reported deaths.

However, the ratio of deaths to total cases likely will fall as more asymptomatic cases probably will now be reported.

This is why people should not be allowed to reproduce.