Kolkata, Dec 15: Around 650 000 deaths annually are associated with respiratory
diseases from seasonal influenza, according to new estimates
by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), the World Health
Organization and global health partners.
This marks an increase on the previous global estimate of 250 000 – 500 000, which
dates from over ten years ago and covered all influenza-related deaths, including
cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
The new figures of 290 000 – 650 000 deaths are based on more recent data from a
larger, more diverse group of countries, including lower middle income countries, and
exclude deaths from non-respiratory diseases.
“These figures indicate the high burden of influenza and its substantial social and
economic cost to the world,” said Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies
Programme Dr Peter Salama, “They highlight the importance of influenza prevention
for seasonal epidemics, as well as preparedness for pandemics.”
The estimates take into account findings from recent influenza respiratory mortality
studies, including a study conducted by the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (US-CDC), published in The Lancet on Thursday.
According to US-CDC, most deaths occur among people aged over 75 years, and
in the world’s poorest regions.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the world’s greatest flu mortality risk, followed closely by the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.
“All countries, rich and poor, large and small, must work together to control influenza
outbreaks before the arrival of the next pandemic.
This includes building capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks, and strengthening health systems to improve the health of the most vulnerable and those most at risk,” said Dr Salama. UNI
This marks an increase on the previous global estimate of 250 000 – 500 000, which
dates from over ten years ago and covered all influenza-related deaths, including
cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
The new figures of 290 000 – 650 000 deaths are based on more recent data from a
larger, more diverse group of countries, including lower middle income countries, and
exclude deaths from non-respiratory diseases.
“These figures indicate the high burden of influenza and its substantial social and
economic cost to the world,” said Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies
Programme Dr Peter Salama, “They highlight the importance of influenza prevention
for seasonal epidemics, as well as preparedness for pandemics.”
The estimates take into account findings from recent influenza respiratory mortality
studies, including a study conducted by the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (US-CDC), published in The Lancet on Thursday.
According to US-CDC, most deaths occur among people aged over 75 years, and
in the world’s poorest regions.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the world’s greatest flu mortality risk, followed closely by the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.
“All countries, rich and poor, large and small, must work together to control influenza
outbreaks before the arrival of the next pandemic.
This includes building capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks, and strengthening health systems to improve the health of the most vulnerable and those most at risk,” said Dr Salama. UNI
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