June 2008

World readiness for an influenza pandemic has improved after an "extraordinary global response" to the avian influenza threat of recent years, said David Nabarro, a United Nations official. However the U.N's influenza coordinator said the risk of a pandemic remained, should the avian influenza virus mutate into a form that is easily transmitted between humans. While H5N1 avian influenza strain rarely infects humans it has caused the death or destruction of an estimated 300 million birds since it resurfaced in Asia in 2003. The world was also much better prepared than it was in 2005 to cope with a possible pandemic, with about 160 nations having plans in place, Nabarro said.

Content Updated (Wednesday, 9 July 2008)