‘Chicken Flu’ Article Ruffles Some Feathers

Though reassuring, the Feb. 28 commentary “ ‘Chicken Flu’ Is No Big Peril,” is, unfortunately, incorrect. That is not to say that the current H5N1 virus will inevitably mutate into a form easily passed to humans, but the risk is there. An individual infected with avian influenza and with a strain easily transmitted between humans would provide the environment in which genetic material is passed between flu strains.

The avian form of influenza now in Southeast Asia is unusually lethal. If it can change to more easily infect humans, the consequences for world health are enormous. Rather than complacently accept the risk, governments everywhere should be sufficiently concerned to fund research on vaccine development (which is certainly not a sure thing), provide on an urgent basis aid for rapid changes in farming practices in Southeast Asia and institute improved surveillance in the Third World.

Paul Rosenbaum

Kingston, Canada

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I am a bit perplexed when I read about impending pandemics when Africa is being ravaged by AIDS and malaria. There are generations being lost right now. But for some reason we worry about a dozen or so people getting sick in Asia.

Now, by all means, pay attention to possible future problems. I would think it foolish if we didn’t. But there are millions of people who will die in Africa from AIDS alone right now! The fact that nobody talks about this is quite frankly mind-boggling.

Marc Weber

Los Angeles