Bird Flu Symptoms as Research Resumes After Worldwide Ban; CDC Notes Human Cases Are Rare But Still Likely

The avian flu affecting humans is considered rare but cases have been reported, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC has noted that just over 600 human cases of the avian flu, also known as the bird flu and H5N1, have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) across 15 countries since November 2003.

Although 600 cases were reported, the mortality rate is 60 percent.

The countries that have had the highest reported cases were Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The CDC reported that H5N1 can infect the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia and respiratory failure. The effects could lead to death.

"Mortality has been highest in people aged 10-19 years old and young adults," said the CDC. "Most human [Highly Pathogenic Avian Influence A (HPAI A)] H5N1 cases have presented late in their illness for medical care and have been hospitalized with severe respiratory disease."

As to common cases in catching the bird flu, it is said to be after direct or close contact with sick or dead infected poultry.

Can the bird flu be transmitted person to person?

In some cases, yes. Normally the bird flu does not but the CDC has noted cases among blood-related family members, particularly if living in the same household.

The bird flu has captured the media headlines after a group of scientists stated that they plan on testing the H5N1 flu following a worldwide ban previously issued.

"We want to resume virus transmission studies because we believe this research is important to pandemic preparedness," said University of Wisconsin virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka, one of the scientists whose work prompted biosecurity experts to call for new restrictions on flu research, according to CNN.

The scientists resuming their work come as several countries have agreed to guidelines issued by WHO.

The U.S. is currently not following the guidelines, therefore testing in the U.S. is high unlikely.

For more on the WHO guidelines, click here.

Symptoms of the bird flu include coughs (dry or productive), diarrhea, difficulty breathing, fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C), headache, malaise, muscle aches, runny nose, and sore throat.