November 9, 2004

Global Flu Outbreak: A Real Possibility

The German Association of Viral Disease Control has issued the warning that a global flu epidemic could emerge this winter.

Flu viruses are increasingly adaptable to the environment and more resistant to drugs, according to association president Peter Wutzler.

He added that the international community is not yet ready to battle against a possible global flu epidemic.

The world is capable of producing 300 million doses of flu drugs every year, and that figure is insufficient. Thus, if production stalls for some reason, there is no reserve supply of vaccines.

The scientist called for vaccination to avoid the risk of avian flu viruses mixing with human flu viruses to become life-threatening. This is especially important in Asia where avian flu virus H5N1 is believed to have taken root in the poultry flock, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Experts warned that Asia could be a breeding ground for a new highly dangerous strain of the virus.