Scientists may have just discovered a case of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu. Until now, every case of bird flu in humans has been traced to contact with sick or dead birds. In this latest case, experts have been unable to find a link to any animals that might have infected the people. This means that the virus is spreading. How horrible.

From the article:

"All confirmed cases in the cluster can be directly linked to close and prolonged exposure to a patient during a phase of severe illness," the WHO said.

Fortunately, that "close and prolonged exposure" bit indicates that casual exposure won't cause the spread of H5N1. But that doesn't mean that a mutation isn't possible -- the risk is still there.

I think I may very well stock up on rice, beans, and water.

UPDATE: Looks like the fear of this thing spreading has already caused some human quarantines in Bucharest, Romania.