East Asia is most at risk of human flu epidemic, experts say

doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7522.921

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Michael Day

London

The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) is flying experts on influenza to East Asia in a bid to boost flu surveillance programmes, so scientists will be able to pick up signs if a pandemic is about to ensue.

The westward spread of the H5N1 strain of avian flu—which has already killed 60 people—from China to Europe's borders in just 18 months has alarmed veterinary experts and virologists. The UK government published guidance for doctors on its website on Thursday this week, after the BMJ went to press.

However, it is in China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong where most infected flocks …