The threat of future Pandemic Influenza (PI) has serious national security implications for the United States. Because humans have little or no immunity to a new virus, a pandemic can occur with substantially higher sickness and mortality rates than normal influenza. Three human pandemics have occurred in the 20th century, each resulting in illness in approximately 30% of the world population and death in 0.2% to 2% of those infected. Using this historical information and current models of disease transmission, it is projected that a modem pandemic could lead to the deaths of 200,000 to 2 million Americans. To view or download the US governments plan to handle an influenza pandemic, please click the link below. The manual is a tough read, but has some interesting things in it.