IMHO- I think we as a planet are heading for a viral pandemic

[commander bunnypants]

at least has big as 1918. To many weird virsus are coming out to fast. way to many people living in worldwide poverty.

Just a feeling

CB

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Well, I think HIV sorta fits that bill

Probably not what you had in mind, but many people overlook it.

[commander bunnypants]

3. good point

CB

[Warpy]

2. We're overdue for one

The developed world will likely escape with significant but not crippling casualties. The third world will be hit hard. Africa, already devastated by HIV, will be hit hardest.

A prototype vaccine for avian flu has already been developed, but may be ineffective once the virus mutates again.

Avian flu seems the likeliest candidate for a pandemic now. Pandemic viruses need one thing, a reasonably long prodromal stage where the person is infected and infective but is not yet sick.

Other weird viruses, like ebola and lassa, lack this long prodromal stage. The person falls sick immediately and dies too quickly to spread the disease very far.

[CottonBear]

4. An airborne Ebola strain would be devastating.

Have you read "The Hot Zone?" As we destroy the enviroment, viruses jump species in order to survive the destruction of their native habitat and/or host(s).