Jerry Lewis: “today I have introduced the Influenza Preparedness and Prevention Act, authorizing legislation that takes urgently…”

“today I have introduced the Influenza Preparedness and Prevention Act, authorizing legislation that takes urgently needed steps towards preparing our Nation for the threat of pandemic flu. As an appropriator, I have rarely introduced authorizing legislation. It is something I have only done a handful of times in my career in the House, but I firmly believe this looming catastrophe calls for action. In 1918, the Spanish flu killed 40 million people worldwide, and more died from the flu than through combat during World War I. Experts warn us that we are overdue for another pandemic flu outbreak. Although this avian flu virus has not yet transferred from human to human, it looks and acts like the virus of 1918, more so than any other influenza outbreak in this century. Of the more than 100 people known to have contracted the virus in Asia, 50 percent have died. If a pandemic flu hits our shores, all levels of government must work together if we are to avoid thousands of deaths. We in Congress must make sure the infrastructure and resources are in place to prepare for and combat a pandemic flu crisis. The President has issued a call for action by a National Strategy on Pandemic Influenza. The key components of this strategy are international surveillance, domestic surveillance, vaccine development, stockpiling antivirals, communication, and State and local preparedness.…”