90 Million Could Fall Ill from Flu, Health Chief Says

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says a major outbreak of the bird flu could sicken about 90 million people in the country and kill about 2 million. What’s worse is that approximately 40 percent of all emergency workers could get sick at the same time. Can we ever really be ready for a pandemic?

The Associated Press is reporting that Leavitt made the remarks at a pandemic planning in Vermont last week. He told conference attendees that in Vermont alone, nearly 200,000 could expect to get sick if the flu strain were as strong as the Spanish flu of 1918.

AP says Leavitt told attendees that it’s imperative for emergency medical services to prepare for when hospitals can't take any more patients. “It will break out in every community at the same time, and every community will have to take care of its own,” Leavitt said. “Every state, every city, every town, every church, every business, every school and every family needs a plan. That is what will ultimately produce our readiness.”

Leavitt is currently touring the nation to talk to emergency officials about preparing for the flu, which AP says has killed about 120 people in Asia. He warned conference attendees in Vermont that if the pandemic hits, the federal government may not be able to help stop the rapid spread of the virus.

“Any community that fails to prepare with the expectation that the federal government will throw them a lifeline is tragically wrong,” Leavitt said.