Human consequences
Children and the elderly are hit hardest; schools act as relays for the epidemic.
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PandemicAsian flu
1.1MDeaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- About 1.1 million deaths worldwide according to the CDC; 1 to 4 million according to various studies.
A new influenza virus, H2N2, emerges in southern China in early 1957. It reaches Hong Kong in April and Singapore in May, then circles the globe within a few months.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
H2N2 circulates until 1968, when it is replaced by the Hong Kong flu virus (H3N2).
Economic consequences
Widespread absenteeism but limited impact; a vaccine is produced within months.
Political consequences
The WHO’s global influenza surveillance network, set up in 1952, plays a key role for the first time.
Spread
- Hong Kong · April 1957
- Singapore · May 1957
Further reading
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In the rankings : The deadliest disasters in history No. 8The deadliest pandemics in history No. 5
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