Late last year, the World Health Organization issued warnings regarding the possibility of a massive outbreak of Asian bird flu this winter. Now, it seems, this prediction may in fact be coming true. At least two deaths have been blamed on this disease and more suspected cases have been reported.

Two young boys, one nine and the other six have died in Vietnam. Another 18-year-old girl is being treated at the Tropical Diseases Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City and is thought to be infected. Several other people are being treated.

According to Bui Quang Anh, director of the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam is at an especially high risk of an outbreak within the coming months. People are being warned about eating chickens that may be infected. Unfortunately, chicken consumption increases during the holiday season. The Lunar New Year Tet Festival begins in early in February and coincides with the beginning of the traditional influenza season.