On 13 January 2004, the World Health Organization reported that an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) among chickens in Vietnam might be linked to the deaths of twelve people. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in these patients.

Influenza viruses that infect birds are called "avian influenza viruses". Avian influenza A viruses do not usually infect humans. However, several instances of human infections have been reported since 1997.

Although the primary mode of transmission in human cases of avian influenza virus infection is from bird to human, all influenza viruses have the potential to change and it is possible that an avian influenza virus could change so that it could infect humans and spread more easily from person to person. Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population.

So far, H5N1 avian influenza has not been detected in Singapore, either in humans or poultry. Based on current available evidence, bird flu does not present as a significant public health threat to Singapore. However, MOH and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) will be monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates to the public should the situation change.

For more further information, visit the FAQs on Avian Influenza to find out more.

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