Indonesia confirms 115th human bird flu infection

The virus is usually transmitted to humans from infected birds.

Scientists fear however that the virus could mutate into a form easily transmissible between humans, sparking a global pandemic that could kill millions.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has killed more than 200 people worldwide since late 2003. But the number of human infections and deaths declined this year over last year.

Forty-eight people died of the infection in 2007, down from 71 in 2006, according to the World Health Organisation, and experts said outbreaks were also being detected more rapidly and responses have become more effective.

Twenty-six countries reported flu outbreaks in birds in 2007, of which four experienced them for the first time.