The next influenza pandemic: Lessons from Hong Kong, 1997

The 1997 Hong Kong outbreak of an avian influenzalike virus, with 18 proven human cases, many severe or fatal, highlighted the challenges of novel inf luenza viruses. Lessons from this episode can improve international and nat ional planning for influenza pandemics in seven areas: expanded internation al commitment to first responses to pandemic threats; surveillance for infl uenza in key densely populated areas with large live-animal markets; new, e conomical diagnostic tests not based on eggs; contingency procedures for di agnostic work with highly pathogenic viruses where biocontainment laborator ies do not exist; ability of health facilities in developing nations to com municate electronically, nationally and internationally; licenses for new v accine production methods; and improved equity in supply of pharmaceutical products, as well as availability of basic health services, during a global influenza crisis. The Hong Kong epidemic also underscores the need for nat ional committees and country-specific pandemic plans.