Identification of emerging threats may be aided by 1950s pandemic bird flu virus

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have evidence that descendants of the H2N2 avian influenza A virus that killed millions worldwide in the 1950s still pose a threat to human health, particularly to those under 50. The research has been published in an advance online edition of the Journal of Virology.The study included 22 H2N2 avian viruses collected from domestic poultry and wild aquatic birds between 1961 and 2008, making it the most comprehensive analysis yet of avian H2N2 viruses.Researchers reported the viruses could infect human respiratory cells.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news