Avian Flu in Egypt

By: Aishah Schwartz and Jennifer Fayed

Avian flu, also known as "bird flu", first hit headlines back in 2003 when the first reported case was discovered in Asia. The virus has since crossed into Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Reports that the H5N1 strain of Avian flu has now hit Egypt adds to the alarming reality of how quickly this virus is traveling around the globe.

The Egyptian government has reported that there are no confirmed cases of Avian flu in humans.

Birds that tested positive were found in Giza backyard gardens and rooftop chicken coops. Other cities with birds testing positive include Minya and Qena.

The protein value found in chickens and turkeys is an important part of the average Egyptian diet.

The Egyptian government and Health Ministry are on high alert and taking measures to control the virus's spread.

The H5N1 strain has taken the lives of 92 people since 2003. Most of these deaths were from direct contact with infected birds. Reports of human-to-human infection have not yet surfaced.

Scientists fear that if the virus mutates, making it transmittable from human to human, the world may be facing a pandemic that no government is prepared to battle.



More Information about Bird Flu
• Bird flu: What you need to

© 2006 Jennifer Fayed Authorization is given by author to share and use for purposes of dawah (invitation to Islam)for non profit publications. If use is for other than non for profit purposes please contact author for other rights which are reserved.