In 1997, the first case of H5N1 infection from a bird to a human was seen in Hong Kong during an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry. The virus caused severe illness in 18 people, 6 of who died, which had a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent. From late 2003 to September 15th, 2005 the World Health Organization (WHO) had reported human cases in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. There were totally 114 people infected 59 of who died; that is, the mortality rate was more than 50 percent. Mutations in the virus will develop with time.
In recent years, outbreaks of influenza H5N1 have occurred among poultry in 13 countries in Asia. Taiwan is not an affected area; however, in the area endangered by avian influenza, we still need to keep high alert. The World Health Organization and the experts agree that new cases of influenza infection will be reported sooner or later. There is no evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission; nevertheless, based on the above-mentioned premise, the government and citizens must cooperate to be prepared for it.