In January 2006, the avian flu virus spread west from Southeast Asia to Turkey, claiming the first human cases and deaths outside of Southeast Asia and China. In February 2006, the virus reached Africa and the Caspian Sea. Experts warn that no matter how prepared Canada is, we will not be spared from a pandemic, and that it could claim as many as 58,000 lives (See Fast Facts, Page 3). Once a pandemic virus emerges, it will be too late to begin planning. The virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly. There will be only.
