UK gets improved test for the deadly strain of bird flu
A MORE effective test for identifying bird flu in humans is now available across the UK, the Health Protection Agency announced today.
The test detects the H5 type, of which the deadly strain H5N1 has caused 62 deaths worldwide, as well as normal seasonal flu.
It means experts will now be able to use a single test to distinguish between flu types.
Dr Martin Curran, who developed it in his role as head of the HPA’s molecular diagnostic unit, said the methodology was now available to regional laboratories and would replace the current H5 test.
It involves a throat or nasal swab but people must meet a strict criteria such as contact with birds in the Far East, he said.
“Although the risk of someone returning to the UK with H5 is quite small, it is crucial that we have tests available in case we do see a suspect case,” he added.
Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the HPA added: “We do not expect to see many suspect cases of avian flu this winter, but this ability to test more efficiently for both infections is reassuring.
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