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Asian Flu 1957
About Asian Flu 1957
The Asian Flu pandemic of 1957 to 1958 was caused by the H2N2 influenza A virus. The first cases were reported in Guizhou province, China, in 1956, and the virus spread globally during 1957. The new strain was identified in spring 1957, allowing some months for preparation before the pandemic peaked in many countries. Vaccine production began quickly in the United States, though supplies were limited when the pandemic arrived. The pandemic killed an estimated 1 to 4 million people worldwide, including approximately 116,000 in the United States according to CDC estimates. Infection rates were highest among school children and young adults. Maurice Hilleman played a key role in the US vaccine response, personally sending virus samples to manufacturers. The H2N2 virus continued circulating until 1968 when it was replaced by H3N2.
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