1957–58 influenza pandemic

Disease	Influenza
Virus strain	H2N2
Source
Location	Worldwide
First outbreak	Guizhou, China
First reported
Index case
Dates
Date	1957–1958

The 1957–58 influenza pandemic, also known as the Asian flu, was a global outbreak of influenza that originated in Guizhou, China, in early 1957. It was caused by a new strain of the H2N2 virus, which was a novel combination of avian and human influenza viruses. This pandemic was the second major influenza outbreak of the 20th century, following the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Virology

The 1957–58 influenza pandemic was caused by the H2N2 strain of the influenza A virus. This strain was a result of antigenic shift, a process where two or more different strains of a virus combine to form a new subtype having a mixture of the surface antigens of the original strains. The H2N2 virus contained genes from both avian and human influenza viruses, which allowed it to infect humans and spread rapidly.

Spread and Impact

The pandemic began in February 1957 in Guizhou, China, and quickly spread to Hong Kong by April. By June, it had reached the United States, and by the end of the year, it had spread globally. The virus was highly contagious, and its rapid spread was facilitated by increased international travel and trade.

The 1957–58 influenza pandemic resulted in an estimated 1 to 2 million deaths worldwide. In the United States alone, it caused approximately 70,000 deaths. The pandemic primarily affected children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Public Health Response

The response to the 1957–58 influenza pandemic included the development and distribution of a vaccine. The vaccine was developed quickly, and mass vaccination campaigns were launched in many countries. Public health measures such as quarantine and school closures were also implemented to control the spread of the virus.

Legacy

The 1957–58 influenza pandemic highlighted the importance of global surveillance and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. It also underscored the need for international cooperation in the development and distribution of vaccines.

Also see

• 1918 influenza pandemic
• 1968 influenza pandemic
• Influenza A virus subtype H2N2
• Pandemic preparedness