An influenza pandemic is a rare but repeating event. Three pandemics occurred in the previous century:
- “Spanish influenza” in 1918,
- “Asian influenza” in 1957, and
- “Hong Kong influenza” in 1968.
The 1918 pandemic killed an estimated 40–50 million people worldwide. Subsequent pandemics were much milder, with an estimated 2 million deaths in 1957 and 1 million deaths in 1968.
A pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal influenza – by coughing and sneezing. Because the virus is new, the human immune system will have no pre-existing immunity. People who contract this new virus will experience more serious illness than that caused by normal influenza. Learn more by reading our 2005 Report to the Community.
Everyone should be informed
Employers Have a Role
Planning for this event has been taking place at all levels of government. The general public has a role to be informed and remember to participate in planning through their work.
What the Health Unit is doing
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is working with municipalities to ensure that their emergency plans also consider the impact of a pandemic influenza. Our community plan is posted as a Resource.
There is some discussion about whether the current avian influenza will become the next pandemic. Read more
Factsheets
Government Plans
All levels of government have a role during a pandemic. Each level has their own information and plans:
Ongoing Resources
Fluwatch is a site that provides reports on the ongoing monitoring that goes on. The U.S. Centre for Disease Control also provides information of interest.
Emergency Planning & Preparedness, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care