As deaths from bird flu continue to mount in Asia - and now threaten Europe - concern about a worldwide epidemic has prompted calls to action at the highest levels of government. Last month, in response to President Bush's emergency request, Congress approved $3.8 billion to develop new vaccines and stockpile anti-flu medications. Some critics say it's too little too late. If a pandemic hit tomorrow, the nation would have drugs to treat only very few people, no approved vaccine and a public health system that is woefully unprepared for a pandemic. With each new case of human infection, the danger increases that bird flu could easily pass among humans, health authorities warn. But some scientists doubt the virus will mutate into one that is easily transmitted from human to human. So far, most victims had close contact with poultry. But even skeptics agree a flu pandemic is inevitable at some point, and that the nation needs to shore up its response.

Sarah Glazer specializes in health, education and social-policy issues. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Glamour, The Public Interest and Gender and Work, a book of essays. Glazer covered energy legislation for the Environmental and Energy Study Conference and reported for United Press International. She holds a BA in American history from the University of Chicago.