Pandemic Flu
About Pandemic Flu
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness, and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The following three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths.
- 1918-1919: “Spanish flu”
- 1956-1958: “Asian flu”
- 1968-1969: “Hong Kong flu”
No one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in Alaska. To find out more, check out the resources on this page.
