Guaranteed antibiotics supply wanted in case of bird flu

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/radionz/200512121601/99ce782

The Government wants arrangements made for a guaranteed supply of antibiotics in case of bird flu.

Securing a supply of the drugs is part of the planning underway for a potential influenza pandemic.

Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the demand for antibiotics is expected to spike dramatically if there is an influenza pandemic.

In 1918, the so-called Spanish or Black Flu claimed the lives of more than 8,500 New Zealanders from late October to early December 1918, according to "Black November: The 1918 influenza pandemic in New Zealand," by Professor Geoffrey Rice.

Mr Hodgson says most deaths in the 1918 pandemic were caused by secondary bacterial infections; so securing a supply of antibiotics is important.