Controlling minor outbreaks is necessary to prepare for major pandemics

by Adam J. Kucharski

Ongoing influenza H5N1 outbreaks highlight the need for timely, scalable interventions that draw on lessons from COVID-19. In particular, successful pandemic preparedness requires early outbreak management, including effective responses targeting spillovers before there is evidence of human-to-human transmission. Ongoing influenza H5N1 outbreaks highlight the need for timely, scalable interventions that draw on lessons from COVID-19. This Perspective discussed that successful pandemic preparedness requires early outbreak management, including effective responses targeting spillovers before evidence of human-to-human transmission exists.