26.11.2004

The World Health Organization is warning Asian nations that its current struggle with avian influenza could lead to the next deadly human flu pandemic across the globe. Millions could die. The WHO is holding a major regional conference in Bangkok this week to develop strategies to contain the flu and other infectious diseases.
The World Health Organization made an ominous prediction on Thursday that the current bout of avian influenza in Asia could spark a deadly pandemic in humans.
During a conference on infectious disease in Bangkok, Dr. Klaus Stohr - who heads the WHO's Global Influenza Program - painted a grim picture of how a new and deadly human flu would affect the world.
"A pandemic will cause a public health emergency," he said. "There are estimates, which would put the number of deaths in the range of between two to seven million. The number of people affected would go beyond the billions."
Dr. Stohr says the world has not had a major flu pandemic in more than 30 years - way past the usual cycle.
Dr. Stohr also warns that while the H5N1 avian influenza virus is worrying, other animal flu viruses circulating in Asia could also have pandemic potential.
"There's no doubt there will be another pandemic whether it is going to be happening this year or next year we don't know. Whether it is going to be H5N1 or another one we don't know," he said.
The WHO is urging countries to stock up on antiviral medications to help fight a possible flu outbreak (ASEAN).