The Java Jive

This morning there are disturbing reports coming out of Indonesia and China. In central Java, at least 7 new suspected bird flu patients were admitted to one hospital alone. The number of deaths keeps climbing, with one or two reported nearly every day. The true number of infected people is unknown.

China, meanwhile, reportedly is ordering anyone with a fever of 37.5 centigrade or higher to report to their local hospital. Non-infected patients are being moved about to make room for flu patients. The Chinese appear to be gearing up for an outbreak.

In Australia, they are running commercials on the TV with a toll free number to report if you have the flu. Some Aussies have expressed concerns over calling this number, apparently worried that it might invoke some sort of enforced quarantine. We'll see how effective it is.

And from Russia, this story:

No quarantine measures can stop bird flu pandemic, if it appears, stated in March 7 head of virology research institute of Russian Medical Academy of Sciences Dmitry Lvov, informs a REGNUM correspondent.

According to the expert, one third of Earth population will suffer from bird flu pandemic. He thinks that in Russia, bird flu pandemic can come from China. He reminded that nearly all Russian regions, except for Eastern Siberia and Far East are infected with bird flu in a greater or lesser extent.

The expert asked Russian authorities to be ready in short amount of time to create hundred thousands of quarantine places.


And yesterday, the WHO announced that Avian Flu is a bigger global health Challenge than AIDS.

This announcement is particularly worrisome. AIDS has been a political sacred cow for nearly two decades, and to elevate Avian Flu above AIDS was a bold statement.

As I write this, a hastily called meeting is in progress in Geneva, where the WHO is gathering to discuss pandemic planning and response.

The pot is definitely boiling.