Influenza Surveillance and Control in the Western Pacific Region
10.5365/2010.1.1.005
- Author:
Oshitani Hitoshi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2010;1(1):3-4
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Influenza is one of most common acute viral infections in humans. It is estimated that seasonal epidemics affect 10–20% of the population, resulting in 250 000 to 500 000 deaths every year. In addition to seasonal influenza epidemics, antigenically distinct viruses originated from animal species tend to emerge in the human population every 10 to 40 years. Since most the human population does not have immunity to such viruses, global epidemics with significant impact, i.e. influenza pandemics, have occurred in the past.
