[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H10148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PREPARING FOR AN AVIAN (BIRD) INFLUENZA PANDEMIC

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MURPHY. The United States must prepare for an avian flu pandemic 
which could potentially kill tens of thousands of people and cost tens 
of billions of dollars. Similar to the 1918 influenza epidemic, the 
avian flu is a primary cause of death where victims suffer a severe 
response of respiratory distress as their immune system is compromised.
  Citizens should make sure they still get their annual flu shot and 
practice good hygiene, even though the likelihood of scenarios of flu 
pandemic will not occur. But Congress needs to make sure we improve 
vaccine distribution mechanisms, improve lines of communications and 
take steps to mitigate panic to make sure that there is essential 
communication with local media outlets.
  We also must increase vaccine production and create incentives for 
pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower costs and promote cooperation. 
All this means Congress must move forward to follow the President's 
national strategy for the pandemic influenza.
  For further information, I encourage my colleagues to visit my Web 
site at murphy.house.gov.

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