MUNICH, Germany— In spite of less media attention compared with last year,experts say the risk of a global pandemic is unchanged, according to Munich Reinsurance Co.
According to an analysis published last week by the German reinsurer, "expertsare convinced that a new pandemic is in the cards. The question is only when it will come and how extensive it will be."
Munich Re said there is also a consensus that if the H5N1 virusmutates, "bird flu — a disease hitherto restricted to animals — will be capable of triggering a wave of influenza around the globe."
The alert level on the six-point scale published by the World Health Organization is still at three, Munich Re noted.
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