CIDRAP News: WHO: Several factors fueling surge of H5N1 in Egypt
“…The WHO said the surge of cases in Egypt that started in November appears to be caused by a combination of factors, including increased H5N1 circulation in poultry. It said there are reports of an increased number of outbreaks and H5N1 detections in Egyptian poultry compared with previous months and compared with this time frame in past years. … The WHO said other factors that could be fueling the unprecedented surge include an increasing number of small farms and household flocks, lower risk awareness, and colder weather, which could put people in closer proximity to poultry and create a more favorable environment for virus survival…” (Schnirring, 4/14).