H7N9

[Nemo]

Is this one it?  Reportedly nearly 50% fatalities.

Nemo



https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/2790957/terrifying-new-strain-of-bird-flu-that-kills-nearly-half-of-those-who-contract-it-discovered-in-china-amid-fears-of-new-global-pandemic/

‘DISEASE X’ FEARS Terrifying new strain of bird flu that kills over a THIRD of those who contract it discovered in China amid fears of new global pandemic
The newly formed virus, named H7N9, has killed over 600 people in China
By Mark Hodge,  15th June 2018, 3:19 pm, Updated: 15th June 2018, 7:08 pm

A NEW strain of deadly bird flu which kills 38 per cent of those infected and could spark a global pandemic has been identified in China.

Scientists around the world believe the new pathogen, dubbed “Disease X”, could be as lethal as 1918 Spanish flu which killed up to 100million people.

The virus usually affects birds, such as turkeys, but it can also spread to humans

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, told The Telegraph that virus H7N9, which is circulating poultry in China, could cause a global outbreak.

He said: “[H7N9] is an example of another virus which has proven its ability to transmit from birds to humans.

“It’s possible that it could be the cause of the next pandemic.”

In China, the deadly pathogen has killed 623 of the 1,625 people which have been infected.

While the virus cannot yet be passed from person to person, experts believe it is only three mutations away from being able to spread from human contact.

The symptoms of H7N9 include a high fever, cough and shortness of breath which can then develop into pneumonia.

Once the disease has developed, those infected develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and organ failure.

Older people, pregnant women and those with existing health problems are most at risk, according to the World Health Organization.

Bird flu can spread to people when they have direct contact with the infection.

This can occur when humans touch dead or alive contaminated birds, their droppings or secretions from their eyes.

Visiting live bird markets in countries that have suffered from avian flu outbreaks is sometimes also a cause for concern.

The NHS explains that “close and prolonged contact with an infected bird is generally required for the infection to spread to humans.”

[JohnyMac]

I am glad we are raising chickens now.

[Jackalope]

    Yeah, but chickens can get the disease too from other vectors, like wild birds, i.e. crows, robins, etc.  Keep a watch on them and make sure they look healthy.  If one looks like it's sick, then isolate it immediately.

[Erick]

The term "Disease X" is not a specific strain it is a placeholder for planning purposes for any as yet unIDed or unplanned for pathogen particlarily one that could spark a pandemic.. what we also could call a black swan.

This particular strain is not called "disease X" by the community but simply could be.

I been watching this one a bit but w/ the high population density in china unless we get to an extra 1000 reported cases (which means likely 3000+) within  short timeframe like say a week...I will not uptick the alert status for my group.