# 1831
This week an international bird flu conference is being held on the island of Bali, where representatives of 25 nations have gathered to discuss the problems and progress of dealing with the H5N1 virus.
Of the many concerns, our limited arsenal of antiviral drugs is high on the list. While still considered our most effective medicine against bird flu, worries abound that resistant strains of H5N1 may develop.
This from the Jakarta Post.
More effective medication needed in fighting bird flu
Dicky Christanto , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar |
Fri, 03/28/2008 1:28 PM | Bali
More effective medication is needed to fight the H5N1 virus that causes Avian Influenza, as symptoms of resistance toward Osetamivir, the current medicine, had appeared in bird flu patients in some regions, an official at an Avian Influenza Summit said.
"We have learnt some bird flu patients in Hong Kong and Vietnam have shown resistance to old medicines," head of the National Working Group on Avian Influenza Eradication Amin Subandrio told reporters at the summit held at Nusa Dua resort Thursday.
"That's why we gather here, to find out whether or not we are ready to tackle the possibility that people are becoming immune to bird flu medication," Amin said.
Representatives from 25 countries attended the two-day summit, including from the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Kenya, who discussed the need for new medication to fight the AI virus
An exhibition demonstrating medical breakthroughs in treating bird flu by pharmaceutical companies from participating countries was also held.
Many countries are currently using Osetamivir, locally known as Tamiflu, to treat patients diagnosed with bird flu.
Tamiflu must be given to bird flu patients early as it reacts with the virus while it is still in the patient's blood. Once the virus enters the patient's lungs, the tablet is not much use, Amin said.
"We must then mix it with other medication to avoid further damage," he said.
The disease has killed 105 of the 129 people who have contracted the disease in Indonesia.
Amin said Tamiflu was still needed to treat patients suffering from bird flu.
"But we must be very careful not to give this medication to people who haven't been officially diagnosed with bird flu. If we do, they could become resistant to the medication in future," he said.
With new bird flu medication expected to be available in five to ten years time, campaigns on the necessary precautions to take were essential to avoid the disease, Amin said.
Related Post:
Widget by [ Iptek-4u ]