The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 killed more people than the Great War, known today as World War I (WWI), at somewhere... more Pandemic: A worldwide Outbreak of Influenza An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human... more Appearance (Emergence) of Pandemic Influenza Viruses There are many different subtypes of Influenza or “flu” viruses. The subtypes differ based upon certain proteins... more Influenza Pandemics during the 20th Century During the 20th century, the emergence of several new influenza A virus subtypes caused three pandemics, all of which... more

Stages of a Pandemic WHO has developed a global influenza preparedness plan , which defines the stages of a pandemic, outlines the role of WHO... more Antiviral Medications to Prevent and Treat Pandemic Influenza Four different influenza antiviral medications (amantadine, rimantadine... more Vaccines to Protect Against Pandemic Influenza Viruses A vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic. When a new vaccine against... more Preparing for the Next Pandemic Many scientists believe it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. The severity of the next pandemic cannot... more

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pandemic fears lool over flu season

(CNN) -- Concerns over the seasonal flu, which sickens millions of people each winter, have taken a back seat this year to fears of the bird flu and the horrifying potential that it could evolve into a worldwide pandemic.

The seasonal flu kills about 36,000 people every year and sends 200,000 to the hospital, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But most of those cases involve people who are elderly, very young or weakened by another condition. more

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Instances of Avian Influenza Infections in Humans

Confirmed instances of avian influenza viruses infecting humans since 1997 include:

Recent Outbreaks among Poultry in the United States with No Transmission to Humans

H5N2 in Texas – 2004:

In February 2004, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N2) was detected and reported in a flock of 7,000 chickens in south-central Texas . This was the first outbreak of HPAI in the United States in 20 years.

H7N2 in Delaware , New Jersey , and Maryland - 2004:

In February 2004, an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influena (LPAI) A (H7N2) was reported on 2 chicken farms in Delaware and in four live bird markets in New Jersey supplied by the farms. In March 2004, surveillance samples from a flock of chickens in Maryland tested positive for LPAI H7N2. It is likely that this was the same strain.

Image Sources (top to bottom): www.cbc.ca, prawfsblawg.blogs.com, www.cdc.gov, media.canada.com, www.edinformatics.com, www.foodlink.org