The new flu pandemic could kill 62 million people

A similarly dangerous flu virus that once caused Spanish flu in 1918 could kill 62 million people in the world if it breaks out again, Harvard researchers (US) warn.

The 1918 flu pandemic killed at least 40 million people in the world; the flu epidemic in 1957 killed 2 million people and the flu epidemic in 1968 killed 1 million people. According to researchers, a new influenza pandemic, if it happens, could kill 62 million people, despite medical advances.

The study also estimates that 96% of deaths will occur in developing countries. Poor countries are most affected, with factors such as HIV and malaria.

According to researchers, a deadly global flu pandemic tends to occur 3 or 4 times in a century. Some scientists believe that a new pandemic is imminent and caused by bird flu.

A doctor is monitoring the condition of a suspected patient with bird flu in Jakarta, Indonesia ( Photo: AFP, TTO)

T.VY