bird flu risk assessment hampers by limited surveillance

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The World Health Organization said its ability to assess and manage the risk posed by H5N1 avian influenza ? bird flu ? cases around the world is hampered by limited surveillance of animal and human cases of the disease.

At a news briefing at agency headquarters in Geneva on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the United States last week reported a fourth human case following exposure to infected dairy cows.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the patient was a worker on a dairy farm where cows had tested positive for the virus. The person had limited symptoms, was treated and recovered. No human-to-human transmission of the virus was reported.

Tedros said Cambodia also reported two cases in children who had contact with sick or dead chickens.

He said the WHO continues to assess the risk of bird flu to the public as low but said it is difficult to make accurate assessments when surveillance for influenza viruses in animals is so limited globally.

?Understanding how these viruses are spreading and changing in animals is essential for identifying any changes that might increase the risk of outbreaks in humans, or the potential for a pandemic,? Tedros said.

He called on all countries to strengthen influenza surveillance and reporting in animals and humans and to share virus samples with the WHO. Tedros also urged protection be provided for farm workers who may be exposed to infected animals.