WHO: TAMIFLU-RESISTANT BIRD FLU CASES POSE NO INCREASED THREAT

Despite two cases of genetically mutated bird flu in Egypt in which the effectiveness of Roche's Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) was moderately reduced, the World Health Organization (WHO) is not changing its recommendation for using the drug because the level of resistance is not yet well established and the virus has not become more easily transmissible between humans.

"At this time there is no indication that oseltamivir resistance is widespread in Egypt or elsewhere," the agency said in its latest update, noting that this mutation in the H5N1 virus had previously been identified in Vietnam in 2005, and current laboratory testing suggested reduced susceptibility was moderate.

"Moreover, these mutations are not associated with any known change in the transmissibility of the virus between humans. Based on these considerations, the public health implications at this time are limited," WHO added. "Finally, these findings do not indicate a need for a change in phase level. The WHO pandemic preparedness level remains at three."

In the recent Egyptian cases, a 16-year-old girl and her 26-year-old uncle died, according to the agency. Both patients had been treated with Tamiflu.