Flu pandemic certain, expert says; lawmakers debate Bush's plan
Submitted on November 3, 2005 - 1:00am.
David Kassabian - Fall 2005
WASHINGTON – A major worldwide influenza outbreak derived from the avian flu is certain to occur in the near future. The only question is when, an expert told a Senate subcommittee Wednesday.
Another pandemic is virtually inevitable because of how fast the virus mutates, said John M. Barry, author of the book “The Great Influenza.” He is also a visiting scholar at the Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities.
“A worst-case scenario is not necessary to justify far more expenditures on influenza,” Barry said. “The best-case scenario is bad enough to get the attention of any American.”
Another pandemic is virtually inevitable because of how fast the virus mutates, said John M. Barry, author of the book “The Great Influenza.” He is also a visiting scholar at the Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities.
“A worst-case scenario is not necessary to justify far more expenditures on influenza,” Barry said. “The best-case scenario is bad enough to get the attention of any American.”
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