Simulacro ante una pandemia de influenza en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas

influenza is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus; the disease is known since the times of hippocrates, who described events with all the characteristics of influenza epidemics during his times. apparently, the term was coined in italy during the xv century because the disease was attributed to the "influence" of the stars. the first formally described influenza epidemic probably dates back to december 1173; the first pandemic, in 1580, affected europe, asia and north africa; the first affecting the american continent occurred in 1647. the countries from the who have been asked to develop plans to face the real possibility of a new pandemic, this caused by an avian virus; mexico has participated through the joint effort of many institutions at federal, state and municipal levels, including the instituto nacional de enfermedades respiratorias ismael cosío villegas (national institute of respiratory diseases) were we have developed a strategy of six lines of action to face this pandemia: diffusion and social communication, coordination, epidemiologic surveillance, medical services, strategic reserve, development and research. the preparations, course and results of an influenza pandemic simulacrum are described.