However, health experts have long warned that the next flu pandemic was overdue and urged countries around the world to prepare for the dramatic economic impact of such a catastrophe.

* The World Bank estimated in 2008 that a flu pandemic could cost $3
trillion and result in a nearly 5 percent drop in world gross domestic
product. The World Bank has estimated that more than 70 million people
could die worldwide in a severe pandemic.

* Australian independent think-tank Lowy Institute for International
Policy estimated in 2006 that in the worst-case scenario, a flu
pandemic could wipe $4.4 trillion off global economic output.

Source/Full Story:: Reuters

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