Both science and history support the conclusion that another pandemic is imminent. The only question is how severe it will be. Scientists are worried that the H5N1 virus carried by birds throughout the world is identical in its genetic structure to the virus of 1918 that claimed at least 40 million lives worldwide. The virus has been transmitted from birds to mammals and has infected human beings. As of yet, human-to-human transmission is not easily accomplished by some 200 people have contracted it half of whom have died. The Federal government announced in March that the avian flu will arrive in the U.S. in 2006. Scientists worry about the virus? ability to mutate, which would make human-to-human transmission easy. In this event, some 90 million people, or 40 percent of the workforce will be affected and the economy might grind to a halt which would be like having Katrina hit all 50 states at once said one expert.



JOHN M. BARRY: How study of the 1918 flu Pandemic can help us plan for the 2006.
Objectives:

Describe lessons learned from study of the 1918 pandemic

Discuss key obstacles relative to preparation for another pandemic