why bird flu has not caused a pandemic

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New research helps explain why bird flu has not caused a pandemic

November 19, 2009

(PhysOrg.com) -- Bird flu viruses would have to make at least two simultaneous

genetic mutations before they could be transmitted readily from human to human,

according to research published today in PLoS ONE.

The authors of the new study, from Imperial College London, the University of

Reading and the University of North Carolina, USA, argue that it is very

unlikely that two genetic mutations would occur at the same time. Today's new

study adds to our understanding of why avian influenza has not yet caused a

pandemic. Earlier this year, the Imperial researchers also showed that avian

influenza viruses do not thrive in humans because, at 32 degrees Celsius, the

temperature inside a person's nose is too low...

http://www.physorg.com/news177839355.html