1957-58 Flu Pandemic Can Provide Clues to Plannin...( Similarities Between 2 ...),Health

Similarities Between 2 Pandemics Can Aid in Preparedness and Response

BALTIMORE, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the U.S. prepares for a resurgence of H1N1 influenza this fall, much can be learned from looking at a previous pandemic that had similar patterns. In an article published today in Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, researchers at the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) examined historical documents, published material, and newspaper coverage related to the 1957-58 influenza pandemic to compare the progress and severity of that outbreak with the current one. The simple, practical actions taken in 1957 allowed the country to continue functioning with minimal disruption.

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Lead author Dr. D. A. Henderson had major responsibility for establishing the CDC influenza surveillance program during the early stages of the 1957 flu; data and analysis of events presented are based on his direct experiences as well as copies of surveillance reports that were published in 1957-58.

"There is need for an understanding in national policy circles of the options for dealing with a pandemic, and time is short if states and local communities are going to be prepared," said Henderson.

During the 1957 pandemic, 25% of the U.S. population became ill, and excess mortality due to pneumonia and influenza occurred. It was a rapidly spreading disease, and it quickly became apparent to U.S. health officials that efforts to stop or slow its spread were futile.

Thus, no efforts were made to quarantine individuals or groups, and a deliberate decisio
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