ATLANTA, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have replicated the deadly strain of flu responsible for the 1918-1919 pandemic.
About 50 million people died from what was known as Spanish influenza, making it the deadliest epidemic in history at least in total numbers. Researchers believe that the virus strain evolved in birds and picked up some characteristics from human flu viruses that allowed it to spread quickly through populations that had no immunity to it.
"By unmasking the 1918 virus we are revealing some of the secrets that will help us predict and prepare for the next pandemic," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, the CDC's director.
The virus was replicated in mice using samples found in the bodies of victims of the flu.
In another research project, CDC scientists reported in Nature that the 1918-1919 virus shares characteristics with the avian influenza now found in Asia. They fear that the virus could set off another global pandemic if it picks up genetic material from a human flu strain.
The disease has killed more than 100 people, but, so far, has not spread person to person.
