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May 8, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"British Scientists Hope to Exhume 1918 Flu Victim"

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (05/06/02)

British scientists from St. Bartholomew's hospital in London hope to exhume the body of a 20-year-old woman who died in the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed 40 million people worldwide. Researchers believe the flu virus still exists in the lead-lined coffin, and it can be used to get information to prevent future pandemics.  Currently, researchers are trying to contact the woman's family for permission to exhume her body and are considering applying to the Home Office for approval.

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