3 human H5N1 cases reported in China

China's Ministry of Health says that it has its first reported human cases of the H5N1 virus, having detected the virus in three people. The news came in a brief announcement published by China's new agency. No additional details were provided. Some observers see the revelation as evidence of a new approach on the part of Chinese authorities. In the past, critics have taken issue with the limited access permitted by health officials.

- read this article [1] from The New York Times

PLUS: The story about potential risks associated with Oseltamavir (Tamiflu) remains largely under-reported in this country as editors choose to err on the side of caution. Late last week, health officials in Japan said they think the antiviral, which is on a pace to become one of the hottest selling drugs on the market, may have been involved in several suicides. Article [2]