Vietnam confirms 42nd bird flu death

The country worst hit by bird flu, Vietnam, confirmed its 42nd human death today from the virus, as the World Health Organisation warned governments to be ready for when – not if – a deadly pandemic arrives that could kill millions.

In China, the Swiss maker of Tamiflu said it had stopped selling the antiviral drug in the country and was turning over supplies to the Ministry of Health as officials were ordered to prepare to treat possible human cases of bird flu.