However, governments appear more prepared than last year, when there were outbreaks outside Asia in areas previously free of the disease, said spokesman for the WHO's Manila-based Western Pacific office Peter Cordingley.
Mr Cordingley said the influenza virus is a cold weather virus and is more likely to flourish at this time of year. “We expect a repeat of last year, when the virus suddenly became very active, spreading to the Middle East, Africa and
The comments came after two Indonesian women died of bird flu, bringing the country's death toll from the disease to 61.
VNA/BBC
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