NCSL Influenza Report
February 2007
Overview
A global emergence of avian influenza has made state and local authorities mindful of the potential impact a pandemic of any origin may have on our daily lives. Even the most common forms of influenza will hospitalize on average more than 200,000 people every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections caused by influenza virus A or B have resulted in 36,000 deaths in the United States between 1990 and 1999. Over the last three years avian influenza has claimed the lives of 241 people in 10 countries as well as adversely affecting the poultry industry worldwide. Many scientists believe it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. Shortages of the influenza vaccine supply in three of the last five flu seasons and the possibility of an outbreak of more serious strains of influenza have called into question the nations ability to endure a pandemic outbreak.
For further information, please call NCSL staff Joy Johnson Wilson, Health Policy Director at 202-624-8689 or Rachel Morgan RN, BSN, Senior Health Policy Specialist at 202-624-3569.
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