The BBC outbreak!

[BlackCat]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
So, a case appearing where it hadn't before isn't an outbreak? Wow. I guess I need a Greek to teach me the meaning of English words.

Well, the rise from 0 to 1 incident could of course be called an outbreak, but hardly fits the definition of the word - I tend to agree with our greek geek

[KrazyHorse]

a) Yes it does fit the definition of the word

b) Where there's one there's more. I can guarantee you that this is not completely isolated

[Spiffor]

The Bird flu is bound to spread to all of Europe. This is the first case in Greece, and it won't be the last. It's not like the Greek police stops migrating birds at the border.

The bird flu is now present in Greece, just like it was present in Romania and Turkey a week ago. Soon, it'll be present in former Yugoslavia and Italy.

I think I'll go fetch an anti-flu vaccine this week, before I start working.

[Kuciwalker]

KH is exactly right. And even if the threat is overstated - better that than understated and millions die.

[Pekka]

No, better treat it like it is.

[BlackCat]

I don't want to dispute the seriousity of this disease - whne (not if) it get contageous between humans, it will be a dangerous threat.

What I disputed was that a rise from 0 to 1 incident was called an outbreak - not even the danish word "udbrud" covers such a small rise.

Though, we haven't seen the last of it in Greece, so in time it wil become an outbreak.

[Spiffor]

You mean, like a potential virus that is highly transmissible, deadly, and for which no easy cure exists?

Well, yeah, I would like to avoid another 1920-like influenza, thank you very much.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by BlackCat
What I disputed was that a rise from 0 to 1 incident was called an outbreak - not even the danish word "udbrud" covers such a small rise.

The word outbreak has nothing to do with degree.

[Pekka]

THA MAD COWS ARE RUNNING WILD!

Yeah what ever. I start being worried when it starts going human->human. Before that, I just stay out of bird feces.

[VetLegion]

And the European Commission has ordered urgent tests on dead birds found in Croatia.

EC can choke on its orders and regulations, we're not a member yet

[VetLegion]

Remember, this flu can't be transferred from man to man, only from bird to man. Which would mean Greeks are safe as long as they are molesting sheep as is tradition and leaving birds alone.

[Spiffor]

Well, the problem is that the H5N1 virus is expected to mutate when in contact with an ordinary human flu, so that it becomes a deadly virus that can be transmitted fro man to man.

[BlackCat]

Originally posted by VetLegion
Remember, this flu can't be transferred from man to man, only from bird to man. Which would mean Greeks are safe as long as they are molesting sheep as is tradition and leaving birds alone.

Theoretically right - it transfers from bird to man and if the greek men stays with the sheep, ok, but what about the women ?

Anyway, all it takes is a person with common flu infected eith this birdflu and the possbillity to get a strain that can transfer from human to human is present.

With todays international travel it could easily get worse than the spanish flu.

[VetLegion]

How can they predict it will be deadly? Mutations go both ways. Maybe it gives us all something positive.

[BlackCat]

Originally posted by VetLegion
How can they predict it will be deadly? Mutations go both ways. Maybe it gives us all something positive.

I can't remember a single virus that has been a benefit for humans, but maybe one of the local biologists can tell me wrong.