Potential Human Pandemic from H9N2 Bird Flu Strain
A 'minor' bird flu strain, H9N2, has shown potential to spark a human pandemic, according to recent experiments.
Although cases of person-to-person transmission have not been reported yet, the virus has adapted to human cells, raising concerns among scientists.
The researchers say more surveillance of the virus is needed.
The focus has been on the avian influenza virus H5N1, but the spread of other bird viruses, such as H9N2, is a growing concern.
Author's summary: H9N2 bird flu strain may cause human pandemic.