Next Influenza Pandemic, The: Lessons from Hong Kong, 1997

This article discusses how the 1997 Hong Kong outbreak of an avian influenza-like virus (also known as avian flu or bird flu), "highlighted the challenges of novel influenza viruses. Lessons from this episode can improve international and national planning for influenza pandemics in seven areas: expanded international commitment to first responses to pandemic threats; surveillance for influenza in key densely populated areas with large live-animal markets; new, economical diagnostic tests not based on eggs; contingency procedures for diagnostic work with highly pathogenic viruses where biocontainment laboratories do not exist; ability of health facilities in developing nations to communicate electronically, nationally and internationally; licenses for new vaccine 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 national committees and country-specific pandemic plans. "

Among other strategic responses, the article explores the potential benefits of enhancing electronic communications to share information amongst various stakeholders. The article mentions how in 1997 the Hong Kong authorities and other organisations provided information and updates on internet websites. The article proposes that a single, universally accessible, global system would enable national or local public health officials and laboratory workers to monitor influenza without receiving multiple email messages or having to connect to different internet sites that use varied formats, representations of data, and possibly languages.

Accordingly, development of a multifunctional electronic global influenza information exchange system is suggested. This system would extend current capabilities to allow simple daily access by all national influenza centres, scientists and health officials in key cities within participating countries who may have early information about possibly new influenza virus cases or outbreaks. This system would also enable users to send and receive information rapidly. For scientists and other users at a local level to benefit from international electronic information, translation into several major languages may be needed.

Among other benefits, information from an electronic information exchange system could enable local and national or international scientists to make co-operative decisions about diagnostic sampling and needed epidemiological information, without the effort and expense of outside experts. Furthermore, operators of public electronic information sites would be better able to fulfill their task if such a system were in place for them to collect and check information.