Bird Flu Pandemic is Imminent

February 25, 2005 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) officials urged governments on Wednesday to act swiftly to control the spread of the bird flu, warning that the world is in grave danger of a deadly pandemic triggered by the virus.

Dr. Shigeru Omi, WHO Western Pacific region director indicated the need for the international community to better coordinate its fight against the virus. "If the virus becomes highly contagious amoung humans, the health impact in terms of deaths and sickness will be enormous," Omi continued.

"That is why we are urging all governments to work now on a pandemic preparedness plan -- so that in an emergency such as this they will be able to provide basic public services," he said.

The U.S. government is getting ready to test a bird flu vaccine and stockpiling both vaccine and antiviral drugs as the threat grows.