The World Health Organization (WHO) is bolstering
its flu-fighting team with veterans of battles against SARS and
other infectious diseases. Scientists warn that the H5N1 avian-influenza
virus, which has infected millions of birds in the Eastern Hemisphere,
may mutate into a form that can spread among humans. WHO is sending
disease trackers into the field to detect a pandemic's first outbreaks;
pressing vaccine makers to jumpstart programs; and spurring international
debates such as whether governments should vaccinate people before
the disease becomes contagious.
Virologist Frederick Hayden, an expert on influenza drugs, is joining
the agency to help lead an international network of scientists studying
how to treat a pandemic's deadliest cases. Paul Gully, a Canadian
public health officer who fought SARS in 2003, brings expertise
in crafting flu alerts for the public, world leaders and health
officials.
The two specialists will arrive this month at the Geneva- based
WHO as it prepares for a potential global flu outbreak that could
``make SARS look like a walk in the park,'' said Michael Osterholm,
a University of Minnesota researcher. While the virus that caused
severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, led to 774 deaths in
Asia and Canada, researchers say even a mild flu
pandemic may sicken one-third of people in affected regions and
leave 7 million dead.
