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 March 14, 2006 – Robert G. Webster is one of the few
bird flu experts confident enough to answer the key question: Will the
avian flu switch from posing a terrible hazard to birds to becoming a
real threat to humans?
There are "about even odds at this time for the virus to learn how
to transmit human to human," he told ABC’s "World News Tonight." Webster,
the Rosemary Thomas Chair at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis,
Tenn., is credited with being the first scientist to find the link between
human flu and bird flu.
"I personally believe it will happen and make
personal preparations," said Webster, who has stored a three-month
supply of food and water at his home in case of an outbreak.
"Society just can’t accept the idea that 50 percent of the population could
die. And I think we have to face that possibility," Webster said. "I’m
sorry if I’m making people a little frightened, but I feel it’s my role."
from ABC
News
Wow! Sounds alot like the end of the world as we
know it. 50% fatalities EVERYWHERE? This would signify a complete breakdown
of society, health care, business, government. A timely reminder that
the human race is but
a virus infecting the surface of Gaia, and if she can’t resist the urge
to itch, or run a fever, or release some antibodies, well, basically
wer’re fucked.
The Dowbrigade has his hidey hole all picked out
and prepared, but we aren’t giving away the location becasue, well,
in the unlikely event we have to use it, the last thing we need is
a bunch of pox-ridden blog readers looking for refuge.
Meanwhile, we can see the day coming soon when we won’t
be able to eat chicken or turkey because of the avian flu, and we won’t
be able to eat burgers or steak because of Mad Cow disease. Look for
a rash of pulled pork fast food joints, followed by public protests
by Muslims and Orthodox Jews.
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