Compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) media centre, this fact sheet provides an overview of avian influenza in birds and humans. It explains why H5N1 is of particular concern, how it affects birds, and the role that migratory fowl play in spreading the disease, before focusing on the implications for human health. Its extensive section on the clinical symptoms of H5N1 in humans was produced with input from physicians with experience of treating patients.

Despite containing some clinical terms, it is easy to read, and would be useful to anyone wanting a comprehensive summary of the threat that bird flu poses to human health. It is also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

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