DoD Posts Web Page For Avian Flu Info

Defense Department deployment health officials have posted a pandemic flu Web page as part of President Bush’s strategy to combat the possibility of a flu pandemic. The site includes frequently asked questions, information geared to service members and links to other resources. The avian flu virus, not now easily passed among people, could mutate and pose a threat, said officials. Millions of domesticated birds in Asia and now Europe have been destroyed after showing signs of the disease. The avian flu has crossed species and infected 121 people worldwide, while 60 have died from it. Avian flu is the most virulent example of the virus, although other, less deadly, flu viruses can still adversely affect humans. For more information on pandemic flu, visit DoD’s Web site at www.pandemicflu.gov.