I just had to pass on this bit of gossip that Iain told me this morning. Allegedly (note the use of the 'Have I Got News For You' anti-lawyer adverb) New Zealand has just had its first death from bird flu.
The story goes that a man who returned recently from Asia has died in New Zealand from symptoms which would appear to have been caused by HN51 (or whatever it's called - you'd think they could have come up with a snappier name for it). Apparently, a post mortem is currently under way and the authorities are awaiting confirmation before making an official announcement.
I haven't yet decided whether I believe the rumour or not. It could well be true, as this is exactly the sort of way in which bird flu is most likely to reach NZ, but it could just as easily be an internet 'prank' perpetrated by some bored teenager in order to spread panic among Kiwis. If it's the latter, then they don't understand the Kiwi character very well - I've never met a more unflappable bunch of people.
Anyway, maybe it was a coincidence, and maybe it wasn't, but this morning in the post we received a government leaflet entitled 'Getting Ready for a Flu Pandemic'. It advises people to have a written plan of action in case anyone in the family should become ill, and to build up an emergency supplies kit. *insert shocked smiley here*
Over the next couple of days I shall be watching the evening news with interest.
Helen
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