First Influenza Pandemic Originated in Asia

Influenza was first recognized in Asia and spread to other continents 500 years ago.

This is the findings of research carried out at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Researches looked into the pandemic, which occurred in 1510, and found that the outbreak in Asia spread quickly to Africa and Europe via trade routes.

Although highly infections, they found the pandemic didn't last too long because the death rate was low.

The authors hope their research will help them learn more about preventing, controlling and treating influenza today.

However, they admit they’re still not close to figuring out why new pandemic influenza viruses emerge.

They point out positive steps that have been taken though, including the possibility of a universal influenza vaccine, to protect individuals from all strains of flu.