A new H5N1 outbreak has been confirmed in Luang Namtha province, in northwestern Laos along the borders with China and Myanmar. Around 100 chickens died, and authorities culled roughly 800 birds within a 2-mile radius to contain the spread. No human infections were reported in the area.
Laos has recorded two H5N1 human deaths, both in 2007. Globally, the World Health Organization had confirmed 373 human cases and 236 deaths as of last Tuesday. Scientists warn the virus could eventually mutate to spread easily between people, raising pandemic concerns.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in March 2008, in its own words.