Pandemic 101RisksNo one knows when the next pandemic will take place. Historically, influenza pandemics have happened every 10 to 40 years, with the last in 1968. There is no influenza pandemic at this time anywhere in the world, but scientests agree that a global outbreak is expected. Annual influenza outbreaks occur every year all around the world, infecting about 500 million people. Out of this number about 1 million deaths occur annually from influenza and its complications. In Canada, the average is about 4,000. If a pandemic occurs, it is expected mortality rates will be higher than the annual influenza, because the virus will be new and people will have little or no immunity. Depending on the severity of the pandemic, experts estimate worldwide mortality could be 2 to 7 times higher than the annual worldwide average. International agencies will try to control a pandemic at an early stage. However, a pandemic strain would be highly infectious and it could spread quickly. Some people or age groups may be at greater risk than others. Those most affected cannot be known until the virus emerges. Pandemic influenza could arrive in British Columbia in one to six months from the start of an outbreak somewhere in the world. It could occur in waves, and last for several months or longer. The risks will depend on several factors:
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