Transcripts For CSPAN3 Reel America The Silent Invader - 195

Im carl lives. Throughout history, mankind has waged many battles in order to protect his family or nation against misfortune, disaster, or even possible extinction. While sometimes these wars have it was therophic, catastrophe of 1918, when an influenza epidemic swept through our own nation as well as the entire world. Unlike the battles of nation against nation, or humanity against the forces of nature where man has often have the opportunity to appear himself, the battle against disease throughout the centuries have found men in the unfortunate position of having to combat had enemy only after it been infiltrated his community and infected much of the population. Have become aware of a pandemic, or worldwide epidemic which originated in the far east and is now known as asian influenza. Because of the alertness and efficiency of the United States Public Health service and the world health organization, a detection system similar to that havee aircraft spotting been established throughout the world and has enabled us to recognize and follow the progress of asian influenza as it circles the globe. Health authorities expect an outbreak this fall and winter in the United States, but not in such portions as in the 1918 epidemic. Upon whoan shoulder rest the responsibility for pairing preparing the United States, is the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health service. I imagine you and your staff have been gathering a tremendous amount of material on asian flu. Has haderyone influenza, but i dont think anybody knows what it is. Karo, it is one of the upper respiratory infections like a cold, only caused by the flu virus and the difference between the asian influenza and the influenza we have been having the past few years is that this this strain of the virus begin in hong kong and spread from hong kong to the rest of the world, including the United States. Influenza is ar, problem in our communities and im sure it is in yours soto. Why are we so concerned about it now . Thats a very good question. We are concerned because in the other countries in which it has appeared and even in the outbreaks we have had in this country, the attack rate has been 15 to 20 . This attack rate occurs in four to six weeks. In metropolitan pittsburgh, with approximately one Million People , if we had this flu strike here you would have approximately 200,000 people who would become ill in a four to six week period. This, of course, would make a tremendous impact upon the economy of this particular area. Carl thats understandable. Weve all heard of outbreaks here in this country, dr. Bernie. How far has it spread . It spread all over the United States. The first cases occurred on the east coast rather than on the west coast among Navy Personnel in rhode island. The second occurred in navy and civilian personnel in san diego. The first time, since of june, it has spread in localized outbreaks through the , louisiana,mboree and all of the states in the United States. Carl i didnt realize that was asian flu that hit our own jamboree in our own state. It was. Carl not many people have died as the result of many people have died as a result of asian flu in other parts of the world. Do you think the same will hold true in the United States . We have the belief now based on the experience of asian influenza in other countries, south america at the present time where it is at epidemic proportions and as a result of the outbreaks in this country so far that it is a mild infection with a very low mortality rate, and we believe it will continue to be both a mild infection and a very low death rate. Carl is there the possibility asian flu might turn into a killer . That is a possibility, of course, and it has happened in preceding years, in 1888 when we had a large epidemic, and eventually the 191819 epidemic when we had a mild influenza epidemic in the spring of 1918 and in the fall, we had a large outbreak of very virulent influenza followed by serious complications and another wave hit us in february or march of 1919. Time, in that whole period, we had about 20 million cases in the United States and deaths. 0,000 beds in the first place, we had a mild strain of influenza. In the second place, we have the antibiotics to combat any complications that might arise, which we did not have in 1919. Carl dr. , with the disease spreading so rapidly, what exactly now are we doing to combat it . Dr. Burney actually, we are trying to do three things. One is to develop as rapidly as possible the only preventative agent we have against influenza and that is the vaccine against this particular strain. Done in six of the pharmaceutical manufacturers in this country. Team in tokyoal sent it back to this country and given to the Public Health services, we distributed is to the manufacturers and they began vaccineacture the before we had the first case in this country. Now, our job is to get more the vaccine available and to get the it. Ic to use number two, we have to be prepared to take care of the individuals that become ill. Have been working since early june with the American Medical Association, the American Hospital association, voluntary groups, and others, to prepare for taking care of those who become ill, and finally, the matter of having an alert and informed public. One who will be aware of the facts without being unduly alarmed. Certainly this program of the totinghouse broadcasting have an alert, but not an alarmed public. Well, you and your Public Health service crew have certainly seemed to make Great Strides in order to get us ready for this possible epidemic in such a short time. Dr. Burney weve had a lot of help, i can assure you, in doing this. It hasnt been a one man or one organization shall. Show. Cooperation ofl the American Medical Association in the educational and medical care part and then in working who the manufacturers, manufacture the vaccine and stop other activities and develop their staffs. I think we can all be proud of the industry which we have in this country. It is another example of the knowhow and expeditious way Free Enterprise through american industry can do i a good job. The vaccine was given to the industrys middle of may, and within three months, the vaccine was being released to our National Institutes of health as being a safe and effective vaccine. That gives me a good example of teamwork and very expeditious work by the manufacturers. Another example of this teamwork and to illustrate this isnt a oneman show, we have with us this evening, dr. James a crabtree, an associate of the university of pittsburg Public Health who will help explain how asian influenza spread throughout the world. How do you do, dr. Crabtree . The asian flu has covered a lot of territory in a short time, but i would like to know how did it all get started . The jack origin of the influenza virus is not unknown, but the current epidemic had its beginning, as dr. Burney indicated, in hong kong and singapore. This was in early april. The disease had become indeed epidemic in both of the cities and are means so throughout the rest of the month. From hong kong and singapore, the disease rapidly early may of andhe island of almos here, it is estimated as many as half Million People were infected within a short amount of time. In may, it next made its appearance in borneo and japan. Centers major shipping from the several areas, the disease very rapidly scattered into widely separated places as indonesia, guam, and the philippines. The first cases also in late as, the disease was reported far away as australia and on board several ships en route from australia to San Francisco. Appearance of the disease in the United States was on june 2. This date is important, because it means only a short six weeks from the time the curse first cases were reported in china, they were in the United States. This indicates the rapidity with which influenza like diseases can spread over the world. Midjune, this disease had practically circled the globe, including southeast asia, south west asia, the middle east, europe, australia, and north america. Late in june, the disease made its appearance in north africa, introduced probably by the muslims returning from their pilgrimages to mecca. So that finally in late early july, the disease made its hile, southin c america. Short months, every continent on the globe has been involved in this great pandemic. Dr. Crabtree, you mentioned it had been reported on ships en route to San Francisco and several cases were definitely diagnosed among our fleet at newport, rhode island. Beennt it have comparatively simple to have isolated these known cases and prevented the spreading of them and prevent them from coming at all . Dr. Crabtree unfortunately, not so simple for the reason that quarantine against influenza is not effective. Had it been possible for all of the cases on board the ships to it would isolated, have had little effect on the actual spread of disease because undoubtedly there were many more people on board these same ships who by reason of a more recently acquired infection would have shown no symptoms whatever of the disease and, therefore, they could not have been readily identified if they were passing through a quarantine station. I see, well dr. Burney mentioned we had approximately 25,000 known cases in this nation. Are they all punched in one area or has the virus spread all over . Dr. Crabtree the virus is spread all over. We have some maps here in the studio that the Television Audience can see, which graphically shows how the disease has spread in the united new folk,arting from rhode island, and the west coast. During the month of june, the disease spread to Salt Lake City ohio, iowa, cleveland, and a few cases along the east coast. If we could have the map showing the spread in july, we see that these starting from original centers, has literally moved in practically every direction throughout the country. Then, the final map speaks for itself in that it indicates that this virus has become very well in thein every state country, certainly in every major region of the country. Prettyink ive got a that idea of how influenza spreads, dr. Crabtree, but im still wondering about the virus itself. What kind of animal is it . Dr. Crabtree id like to present to you one of our staff from the National Institutes of davis, the dorn associate director of our National Institute of allergy and infectious diseases, and ask him to answer this question and then the other scientific questions you may have. Dr. Davis, thank you for coming to see us tonight. I will ask what seems like a silly question, but what is this virus like . What is this virus . Dr. Davis to begin with, influenza is the specific disease caused by a specific virus. Ins virus was first isolated 1931 by the Rockefeller Institute and in 1933, shown as a human disease by british scientists. Now we know that there are three Major Classifications of virus. Types a, b, and c. More recently, a new type, fourth type, d has been described in japan. This a, b, c, and the. D. Is that the asian flu . Thats what confuses me come to a, b, and c . Type a influenza is the influenza which commonly causes epidemics and pandemics throughout the recent years. The asian type of virus is a taipei and causes the kinds of type a and causes the kinds of disease we have had in recent year. However, the composition of this asian type is different from described in have the more recent strains so that therson who is immune to older strains is probably not immune to this new strain, and developedvaccines in recent years by dr. Francis and others have probably no effect on this invader from asia. I guess this is one of the reasons i never get into medical school. A new vaccine has to be made each time a new strain comes along . That explains why we dont have the vaccine in stock . Dr. Davis that is right. I think everyone has been hearing the good deal about the how will story, but they know if they have the asian flu . Dr. Davis i think you will know. Sometimes, it is a little difficult to diagnose it because symptoms maybe are similar to other respiratory viruses or bacteria. That could be absolutely certain to be absolutely certain, we must use laboratory assessments. One is the actual isolation of the virus and the second is the demonstration of antibodies which appear in the blood of the person who has the disease. This often takes a little time and it really doesnt help the patients position very much, to it is important for us know what kind of disease is prevalent in the community and discover what the type is and follow its course. I see come along naturally the thing people are most concerned about is the vaccine, first of all, and particularly how it works in the system. Being made from real influenza virus, wouldnt there be danger in being vaccinated . There is no danger at all. The vaccine is completely killed during the process of being prepared. The vaccine is made by injecting the virus into fertile chicken necks, where the virus chicken eggs, where the virus grows and then processing the fluids, the vaccine is made by the manufacturers. It requires about 40 days to manufacture and to test the vaccine. , i can breathe a lot easier knowing how the vaccine is made and there isnt any law virus and it. In it. Im certainly pressed with the way your Public Health operates. Up until now, i think you have given me and the rest of the audience a complete picture of the asian flu. I doubt weve given a complete picture because we left out one of the most important groups of our total team in meeting the challenge, and that is the American Medical Association, which represents the physicians throughout our entire country. We have worked with them from the beginning of this and have had complete support and understanding from that group and i would like to present to you here now the secretary, of the manager of th organization. I believe your home port would be chicago . Thats right. Can you explain a little more about this possible flu epidemic . Possiblenning for a epidemic, the medical profession has three responsibilities. Keeping doctors informed on the progress of the disease, spearheading the mobilization of concernedl personnel, with caring for the sick, and informing the public on what to do once the virus has spread. The doctors are being informed about asian influenza through our weekly journal and through many scientific periodicals published by the various state and county medical societies. They are being encouraged to cooperate with the Public Health theice in detecting virus and spread from community community. Informed of the technical aspects of the disease with instructions regarding the administration of the vaccine. The American Medical Association has asked every local medicines medical society organized a committee of those who would be involved in an epidemic so an agreement can be reached in advance on such matters on vaccine priority, the handling of hospital admission procedures and so forth. Strike,pandemic does the medical profession will use every means of communication possible, newspapers, radio, and television, to tell the general public what to do. It is important, we feel, that families know the symptoms and points to follow in the home care of a victim. What are the symptoms . The asian influenza is characterized by rapid onset fever of 104 degrees, headache, sore throat, aching muscles, and extreme weakness. Recognition of symptoms is important early in an epidemic. Once the asian flu takes hold in a community, youll know what it is without checking the symptoms. When you do get asian flu, how do you care for it at home . Ideally, your doctor should be called and his instructions followed. In an epidemic situation come you may not be able to give your case at he may not be able to give your case as complete attention. These are things to remember. First, keep away from others. Second, go to bed. Third, drink a lot of fluids, water and fruit juices, and if your doctor recommends it, take a fever reducing agent. Doctor if anyur unusual symptoms develop. What do you mean by unusual symptoms . Well, primarily those that would indicate the onset of some lung involvement. Breathing, rapid blueness of the lips. Now, i will ask dr. Burney to summarize our discussion. Dr. Burney this fall and winter, we may she serious outbreaks of influenza in the as a consequence of the epidemic which began in the far east. Unlike situations in the past, we believe the size and severity of the epidemic can be minimized in this country. That is the opinion of experts, that there is no need for hysteria or panic. In the first place, we are prepared for the invasion and in the second place, we now have the means to a new vaccine to help prevent this influenza. Infectione story by influenza virus can be summarized in this manner. There is a pandemic, a worldwide epidemic of asian influenza which has attacked most of the nations of the world. Itoratory tests have shown has reached the United States, attacking both military and so billion civilian personnel. It has been isolated and recognized as a member of the taipei dr. Davis type a virus. A vaccine has been developed and is in production by six pharmaceutical houses in this country. At the present time, asian influenza can best be classified whichild virus disease attacks many people, but has a very low death rate. Say it is probable and epidemic will occur in this nation sometime between late fall and early winter. The first time in history, a nation, our own United States<\/a> Public Health<\/a> service and the world health organization, a detection system similar to that havee aircraft spotting been established throughout the world and has enabled us to recognize and follow the progress of asian influenza as it circles the globe. Health authorities expect an outbreak this fall and winter in the United States<\/a>, but not in such portions as in the 1918 epidemic. Upon whoan shoulder rest the responsibility for pairing preparing the United States<\/a>, is the Surgeon General<\/a> of the United States<\/a> Public Health<\/a> service. I imagine you and your staff have been gathering a tremendous amount of material on asian flu. Has haderyone influenza, but i dont think anybody knows what it is. Karo, it is one of the upper respiratory infections like a cold, only caused by the flu virus and the difference between the asian influenza and the influenza we have been having the past few years is that this this strain of the virus begin in hong kong and spread from hong kong to the rest of the world, including the United States<\/a>. Influenza is ar, problem in our communities and im sure it is in yours soto. Why are we so concerned about it now . Thats a very good question. We are concerned because in the other countries in which it has appeared and even in the outbreaks we have had in this country, the attack rate has been 15 to 20 . This attack rate occurs in four to six weeks. In metropolitan pittsburgh, with approximately one Million People<\/a> , if we had this flu strike here you would have approximately 200,000 people who would become ill in a four to six week period. This, of course, would make a tremendous impact upon the economy of this particular area. Carl thats understandable. Weve all heard of outbreaks here in this country, dr. Bernie. How far has it spread . It spread all over the United States<\/a>. The first cases occurred on the east coast rather than on the west coast among Navy Personnel<\/a> in rhode island. The second occurred in navy and civilian personnel in san diego. The first time, since of june, it has spread in localized outbreaks through the , louisiana,mboree and all of the states in the United States<\/a>. Carl i didnt realize that was asian flu that hit our own jamboree in our own state. It was. Carl not many people have died as the result of many people have died as a result of asian flu in other parts of the world. Do you think the same will hold true in the United States<\/a> . We have the belief now based on the experience of asian influenza in other countries, south america at the present time where it is at epidemic proportions and as a result of the outbreaks in this country so far that it is a mild infection with a very low mortality rate, and we believe it will continue to be both a mild infection and a very low death rate. Carl is there the possibility asian flu might turn into a killer . That is a possibility, of course, and it has happened in preceding years, in 1888 when we had a large epidemic, and eventually the 191819 epidemic when we had a mild influenza epidemic in the spring of 1918 and in the fall, we had a large outbreak of very virulent influenza followed by serious complications and another wave hit us in february or march of 1919. Time, in that whole period, we had about 20 million cases in the United States<\/a> and deaths. 0,000 beds in the first place, we had a mild strain of influenza. In the second place, we have the antibiotics to combat any complications that might arise, which we did not have in 1919. Carl dr. , with the disease spreading so rapidly, what exactly now are we doing to combat it . Dr. Burney actually, we are trying to do three things. One is to develop as rapidly as possible the only preventative agent we have against influenza and that is the vaccine against this particular strain. Done in six of the pharmaceutical manufacturers in this country. Team in tokyoal sent it back to this country and given to the Public Health<\/a> services, we distributed is to the manufacturers and they began vaccineacture the before we had the first case in this country. Now, our job is to get more the vaccine available and to get the it. Ic to use number two, we have to be prepared to take care of the individuals that become ill. Have been working since early june with the American Medical Association<\/a>, the American Hospital<\/a> association, voluntary groups, and others, to prepare for taking care of those who become ill, and finally, the matter of having an alert and informed public. One who will be aware of the facts without being unduly alarmed. Certainly this program of the totinghouse broadcasting have an alert, but not an alarmed public. Well, you and your Public Health<\/a> service crew have certainly seemed to make Great Strides<\/a> in order to get us ready for this possible epidemic in such a short time. Dr. Burney weve had a lot of help, i can assure you, in doing this. It hasnt been a one man or one organization shall. Show. Cooperation ofl the American Medical Association<\/a> in the educational and medical care part and then in working who the manufacturers, manufacture the vaccine and stop other activities and develop their staffs. I think we can all be proud of the industry which we have in this country. It is another example of the knowhow and expeditious way Free Enterprise<\/a> through american industry can do i a good job. The vaccine was given to the industrys middle of may, and within three months, the vaccine was being released to our National Institutes<\/a> of health as being a safe and effective vaccine. That gives me a good example of teamwork and very expeditious work by the manufacturers. Another example of this teamwork and to illustrate this isnt a oneman show, we have with us this evening, dr. James a crabtree, an associate of the university of pittsburg Public Health<\/a> who will help explain how asian influenza spread throughout the world. How do you do, dr. Crabtree . The asian flu has covered a lot of territory in a short time, but i would like to know how did it all get started . The jack origin of the influenza virus is not unknown, but the current epidemic had its beginning, as dr. Burney indicated, in hong kong and singapore. This was in early april. The disease had become indeed epidemic in both of the cities and are means so throughout the rest of the month. From hong kong and singapore, the disease rapidly early may of andhe island of almos here, it is estimated as many as half Million People<\/a> were infected within a short amount of time. In may, it next made its appearance in borneo and japan. Centers major shipping from the several areas, the disease very rapidly scattered into widely separated places as indonesia, guam, and the philippines. The first cases also in late as, the disease was reported far away as australia and on board several ships en route from australia to San Francisco<\/a>. Appearance of the disease in the United States<\/a> was on june 2. This date is important, because it means only a short six weeks from the time the curse first cases were reported in china, they were in the United States<\/a>. This indicates the rapidity with which influenza like diseases can spread over the world. Midjune, this disease had practically circled the globe, including southeast asia, south west asia, the middle east, europe, australia, and north america. Late in june, the disease made its appearance in north africa, introduced probably by the muslims returning from their pilgrimages to mecca. So that finally in late early july, the disease made its hile, southin c america. Short months, every continent on the globe has been involved in this great pandemic. Dr. Crabtree, you mentioned it had been reported on ships en route to San Francisco<\/a> and several cases were definitely diagnosed among our fleet at newport, rhode island. Beennt it have comparatively simple to have isolated these known cases and prevented the spreading of them and prevent them from coming at all . Dr. Crabtree unfortunately, not so simple for the reason that quarantine against influenza is not effective. Had it been possible for all of the cases on board the ships to it would isolated, have had little effect on the actual spread of disease because undoubtedly there were many more people on board these same ships who by reason of a more recently acquired infection would have shown no symptoms whatever of the disease and, therefore, they could not have been readily identified if they were passing through a quarantine station. I see, well dr. Burney mentioned we had approximately 25,000 known cases in this nation. Are they all punched in one area or has the virus spread all over . Dr. Crabtree the virus is spread all over. We have some maps here in the studio that the Television Audience<\/a> can see, which graphically shows how the disease has spread in the united new folk,arting from rhode island, and the west coast. During the month of june, the disease spread to Salt Lake City<\/a> ohio, iowa, cleveland, and a few cases along the east coast. If we could have the map showing the spread in july, we see that these starting from original centers, has literally moved in practically every direction throughout the country. Then, the final map speaks for itself in that it indicates that this virus has become very well in thein every state country, certainly in every major region of the country. Prettyink ive got a that idea of how influenza spreads, dr. Crabtree, but im still wondering about the virus itself. What kind of animal is it . Dr. Crabtree id like to present to you one of our staff from the National Institutes<\/a> of davis, the dorn associate director of our National Institute<\/a> of allergy and infectious diseases, and ask him to answer this question and then the other scientific questions you may have. Dr. Davis, thank you for coming to see us tonight. I will ask what seems like a silly question, but what is this virus like . What is this virus . Dr. Davis to begin with, influenza is the specific disease caused by a specific virus. Ins virus was first isolated 1931 by the Rockefeller Institute<\/a> and in 1933, shown as a human disease by british scientists. Now we know that there are three Major Classifications<\/a> of virus. Types a, b, and c. More recently, a new type, fourth type, d has been described in japan. This a, b, c, and the. D. Is that the asian flu . Thats what confuses me come to a, b, and c . Type a influenza is the influenza which commonly causes epidemics and pandemics throughout the recent years. The asian type of virus is a taipei and causes the kinds of type a and causes the kinds of disease we have had in recent year. However, the composition of this asian type is different from described in have the more recent strains so that therson who is immune to older strains is probably not immune to this new strain, and developedvaccines in recent years by dr. Francis and others have probably no effect on this invader from asia. I guess this is one of the reasons i never get into medical school. A new vaccine has to be made each time a new strain comes along . That explains why we dont have the vaccine in stock . Dr. Davis that is right. I think everyone has been hearing the good deal about the how will story, but they know if they have the asian flu . Dr. Davis i think you will know. Sometimes, it is a little difficult to diagnose it because symptoms maybe are similar to other respiratory viruses or bacteria. That could be absolutely certain to be absolutely certain, we must use laboratory assessments. One is the actual isolation of the virus and the second is the demonstration of antibodies which appear in the blood of the person who has the disease. This often takes a little time and it really doesnt help the patients position very much, to it is important for us know what kind of disease is prevalent in the community and discover what the type is and follow its course. I see come along naturally the thing people are most concerned about is the vaccine, first of all, and particularly how it works in the system. Being made from real influenza virus, wouldnt there be danger in being vaccinated . There is no danger at all. The vaccine is completely killed during the process of being prepared. The vaccine is made by injecting the virus into fertile chicken necks, where the virus chicken eggs, where the virus grows and then processing the fluids, the vaccine is made by the manufacturers. It requires about 40 days to manufacture and to test the vaccine. , i can breathe a lot easier knowing how the vaccine is made and there isnt any law virus and it. In it. Im certainly pressed with the way your Public Health<\/a> operates. Up until now, i think you have given me and the rest of the audience a complete picture of the asian flu. I doubt weve given a complete picture because we left out one of the most important groups of our total team in meeting the challenge, and that is the American Medical Association<\/a>, which represents the physicians throughout our entire country. We have worked with them from the beginning of this and have had complete support and understanding from that group and i would like to present to you here now the secretary, of the manager of th organization. I believe your home port would be chicago . Thats right. Can you explain a little more about this possible flu epidemic . Possiblenning for a epidemic, the medical profession has three responsibilities. Keeping doctors informed on the progress of the disease, spearheading the mobilization of concernedl personnel, with caring for the sick, and informing the public on what to do once the virus has spread. The doctors are being informed about asian influenza through our weekly journal and through many scientific periodicals published by the various state and county medical societies. They are being encouraged to cooperate with the Public Health<\/a> theice in detecting virus and spread from community community. Informed of the technical aspects of the disease with instructions regarding the administration of the vaccine. The American Medical Association<\/a> has asked every local medicines medical society organized a committee of those who would be involved in an epidemic so an agreement can be reached in advance on such matters on vaccine priority, the handling of hospital admission procedures and so forth. Strike,pandemic does the medical profession will use every means of communication possible, newspapers, radio, and television, to tell the general public what to do. It is important, we feel, that families know the symptoms and points to follow in the home care of a victim. What are the symptoms . The asian influenza is characterized by rapid onset fever of 104 degrees, headache, sore throat, aching muscles, and extreme weakness. Recognition of symptoms is important early in an epidemic. Once the asian flu takes hold in a community, youll know what it is without checking the symptoms. When you do get asian flu, how do you care for it at home . Ideally, your doctor should be called and his instructions followed. In an epidemic situation come you may not be able to give your case at he may not be able to give your case as complete attention. These are things to remember. First, keep away from others. Second, go to bed. Third, drink a lot of fluids, water and fruit juices, and if your doctor recommends it, take a fever reducing agent. Doctor if anyur unusual symptoms develop. What do you mean by unusual symptoms . Well, primarily those that would indicate the onset of some lung involvement. Breathing, rapid blueness of the lips. Now, i will ask dr. Burney to summarize our discussion. Dr. Burney this fall and winter, we may she serious outbreaks of influenza in the as a consequence of the epidemic which began in the far east. Unlike situations in the past, we believe the size and severity of the epidemic can be minimized in this country. That is the opinion of experts, that there is no need for hysteria or panic. In the first place, we are prepared for the invasion and in the second place, we now have the means to a new vaccine to help prevent this influenza. Infectione story by influenza virus can be summarized in this manner. There is a pandemic, a worldwide epidemic of asian influenza which has attacked most of the nations of the world. Itoratory tests have shown has reached the United States<\/a>, attacking both military and so billion civilian personnel. It has been isolated and recognized as a member of the taipei dr. Davis type a virus. A vaccine has been developed and is in production by six pharmaceutical houses in this country. At the present time, asian influenza can best be classified whichild virus disease attacks many people, but has a very low death rate. Say it is probable and epidemic will occur in this nation sometime between late fall and early winter. The first time in history, a nation, our own United States<\/a> is in the position ahead of the impending epidemic and thus has had the opportunity to organize for an allout offensive against asian influenza. Possibilityays the of an increase in very once but the new vaccine has been proven effective in controlled studies conducted by the military and should be in a weapon to combat the disease if the epidemic progresses. Madethe vaccine is available for public use, the Public Health<\/a> service and the American Medical Association<\/a> hope that the nation as a whole will participate in a voluntary program of vaccinations against the prevalence of this influenza. Rest assured that there is no need for alarm, panic, or hysteria. If there is a change in the situation, you will be informed immediately through the public , yourion channels American Medical Association<\/a>, the Public Health<\/a> service, and state and Territorial Health<\/a> officers. This program, by the way, which is the result of the combined efforts of organized medicine, private industry, and education, is an excellent example of the type of Public Information<\/a> and education we are setting up. In closing, i would like to urge you to make use of the new vaccine when it becomes available, knowing meanwhile that you will cooperate with the medical profession and the Public Health<\/a> authorities if it becomes necessary to set up priorities for both groups responsible for Public Welfare<\/a> and safety and must continue their Important Services<\/a> if others of us are temporarily incapacitated by asian influenza. , im sure i speak for all who have been with us through the program when i say how much we appreciate all of you gentlemen taking your valuable time to come here so that we might be better informed on asian flu and what is being done about it. The participants on the show burney,n dr. Leroy e Surgeon General<\/a> of the United States<\/a> Public Health<\/a> service, dr. James a crabtree, associate of the university of Pittsburgh Graduate School<\/a> of Public Health<\/a>, dr. Dollinger davis, of researchrector at the National Institute<\/a> of allergy and infectious diseases, United States<\/a> Public Health<\/a> services. Dr. George f lowell, secretary and general manager of the American Medical Association<\/a>. The silent invader was written produced by roger wolf, directed by jack simon, Script Research<\/a> by rose marie scop yellow, and k mcdonough. You as aen brought to Public Service<\/a> by the Westinghouse Broadcasting<\/a> company in cooperation with the American Medical Association<\/a>. Service of theth u. S. Department of Health Education<\/a> and welfare, and the university of Pittsburgh Health<\/a> center. You can watch archival films on Public Affairs<\/a> in their entirety on our weekly series saturday ata, 10 00 p. M. And sunday at 4 00 eastern on American History<\/a> tv. American history tv products are available at the new cspan online store. Org to seeanstore. What is new for American History<\/a> tv and check out all the cspan products. Claire evans is the author of trump v. Mazars of broad band the untold story of the women who made the internet. The 20th century contributions of women to the development of computer technology. This event was part of the university of Mary Washington<\/a> great lives series. 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