1957-58 flu pandemic can provide clues to planning for current H1N1 outbreak

17 August 2009

As the world prepares for a resurgence of H1N1 influenza with the approach of the northern winter, much can be learned from looking at a previous pandemic that had similar patterns.

In an article published in Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, researchers at the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) examine historical documents, published material, and newspaper coverage related to the 1957-58 influenza pandemic in the US to compare the progress and severity of that outbreak with the current one. The simple, practical actions taken in 1957 allowed the country to continue functioning with minimal disruption.

Lead author Dr DA Henderson had major responsibility for establishing the CDC influenza surveillance program during the early stages of the 1957 flu; data and analysis of events presented are based on his direct experiences as well as copies of surveillance reports that were published in 1957-58.

"There is need for an understanding in national policy circles of the options for dealing with a pandemic, and time is short if states and local communities are going to be prepared," said Henderson.

During the 1957 pandemic, 25% of the US population became ill, and excess mortality due to pneumonia and influenza occurred. It was a rapidly spreading disease, and it quickly became apparent to US health officials that efforts to stop or slow its spread were futile.

Thus, no efforts were made to quarantine individuals or groups, and a deliberate decision was made not to cancel or postpone large meetings such as conferences, church gatherings, or athletic events. Health officials emphasized providing medical care to those who were sick and keeping community and health services functioning. School absenteeism was high, but schools were not closed unless the number of students or teachers fell low enough to warrant closure.

Special efforts were made to speed the production of vaccine, but the quantities that were produced were too late to substantially affect the impact of the epidemic. The spread of the disease was so rapid that within 3 months it had swept across the country and had largely disappeared.

Although it is impossible to predict the course that H1N1 will take, planning for it can be informed by the experiences of the recent past.

The article, "Public Health and Medical Responses to the 1957-58 Influenza Pandemic," was published in Biosecurity and Bioterrorism ahead of print at: www.liebertonline.com/toc/bsp/0/0 .

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science, is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Bookmark this page