December 13, 2011

A development of a version of the deadly bird-flu virus that is believed to have contagious properties, especially among humans has been announced by scientists at Rotterdam's Erasmus Medical Centre on Friday (Dec 9).

While briefing about the discovery, the researchers have notified to create a mutant, contagious version of the H5N1 strain of the virus, earlier in September. The virus is fatal in more than 60% of human cases.

"The Dutch authorities confirmed that the virus itself is stored in a very secured way and that the necessary permits were given and that the researchers are bound by a code of conduct", explained John Dalli, the EU Health Commissioner, while notifying to receive assurances from Dutch authorities indicating virus was secure. Further, Dalli has emphasised on the need of measures in order to ensure that its outcome completely regulated without offering any sensitive details about mutation being given.

On the other hand, during Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) meeting held in Paris, the French Health Minister, Xavier Bertrand, stressed that authorities need to follow a vigilant way. The GHSI represents a G7 group of industrialised nations including the EU's Commission and the WHO and Mexico.

It has been reported that, a team of enthusiastic researchers led by Ron Fouchier have successfully developed a mutant version of the H5N1 bird flu virus. Researchers notified that the H5N1 strain of bird flu is fatal among 60% human cases and succeeded to execute more than 350 lives, up till now.

Simultaneously, the Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and a member of the NSABB, Michael Osterholm, has notified that Physicists are putting their hard efforts in order to explore the matter. The experts have emphasised on the need of more research work in order to explore its pros and cons effectively.