A virulent strain of avian flu that has killed wild birds and
domestic poultry—primarily in Asia, Europe, and Africa—and
sickened or killed a number of people who came into contact with
the birds, is causing concern because of its potential to mutate
into a form that can be easily transmitted human to human. In at
least one cluster of cases within an Indonesian family, the flu
seems already to have been passed human to human. Health experts
believe, however, that the disease is still not easily
transmitted between people and that this one case does not
represent the start of a pandemic. However, if the virus mutates
to a form that allows easy human transmission, a worldwide
pandemic could occur. While avian flu has not appeared in birds
or people in the United States, plans are underway to prepare
for the possibility. Read More Pitt Planning For Possible Avian
Flu Pandemic (6/12/2006)