Ginebra, Suiza - 12 de marzo de 2004 Poultry culling and other
measures may have reduced the likelihood of a human pandemic
influenza strain emerging soon from Asia as a consequence of
avian flu. However, experts believe that because these outbreaks
come in cycles, a human influenza pandemic must still be
expected at some time in the future. To prepare for the next
pandemic, the World Health Organization is convening a meeting
of more than 100 health experts from 16 to 18 March 2004 in
Geneva. The purpose of the meeting is to assess the current
situation, and to analyse possible public health interventions
before and during an influenza pandemic. "As long as avian and
human flu viruses are circulating in the environment, the
ingredients for a human pandemic still exist. When the next
pandemic emerges, we will be able to respond properly only if we
prepare properly,ö said WHO’s DirectorûGeneral LEE Jongûwook.
While recent efforts to control the highly pathogenic avian
influenza virus in chickens appear to have