Atlanta
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing for a worldwide outbreak of avian flu as early as next year, CDC head Dr. Julie Gerberding said this week. The flu jumped from chickens to humans in Hong Kong, in 1997, and since then dozens have been infected, and most have died. “A similar pattern probably occurred prior to 1918,” Gerberding said. “This is a very ominous situation for the globe.” The 1918 flu, which also began in Asian birds, killed some 30 million people worldwide. The U.S. government is working on a vaccine, but Gerberding said the flu could mutate into a form easily spread among humans before enough doses have been prepared.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
-
A running list of the international figures Donald Trump has pardonedin depth The president has grown bolder in flexing executive clemency powers beyond national borders
-
Mixed nuts: RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidelines receive uneven reviewsTalking Points The guidelines emphasize red meat and full-fat dairy
