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"I National Geographic Channel premieres 'Microkillers Week'
Kicking off this Sunday, 26 February with 'Superflu', an episode
that examines the potential dangers of diseases like the Avian Flu
New Delhi, Friday, February 24, 2006: National Geographic Channel
presents 'Microkillers Week', a series that looks at the increasingly
lethal nature of new breed of viruses, hinting that the world may
be poised on the edge of a global pandemic. The series premieres
on Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 8:00 pm with 'Superflu', a programme
that will capture the impact of a pandemic like the Avian Bird Flu
on an un-expecting world.
Microkillers Week probes into the world of these microorganisms
and their virulent nature explaining why and how a pathogen with
1/2500th width of a human hair causes the death of thousands of
people.
Superflu, an hour-long special episode will focus on the deadly
influenza virus. What makes these pandemics totally unique and frightening?
In the 20th century alone, pandemic influenza broke out thrice -
1968, 1957 and the Spanish Flu of 1918. As many as 100 million people
perished from the Spanish flu worldwide, making it the greatest
natural disaster of all time. When this virus mutates to a pandemic
state every single human being is susceptible. Experts say it's
only a matter of time before this could happen again.
A similar situation knocks at our door today with the deadly H5N1
virus or the Avian Bird Flu affecting Asia, Africa and certain parts
of Europe. Join National Geographic Channel as they follow the story
of a fictional woman- 'Patient Zero' who travels around the globe,
unknowingly carrying the lethal virus inside her embattled lungs.
The programme will show the impact of the deadly strain on the patient
and the entire world with nations torn apart and economies in ruins.
What happens to Patient Zero? Why all the influenza viruses originate
in South East Asia? What happens when Patient Zero travels to Europe?
What happens when a virus brings the entire world to standstill?
Superflu answers all these questions and examines the situations
created at the outbreak of SARS and the Avian Bird Flu.
Rajesh Sheshadri, Vice President Marketing, National Geographic
Channel, India, says, "Microkillers week makes you think again
about the dynamic and fragile world we live in. One episode in particular,
Superflu takes a completely new look at the challenge we are facing
today with the Avian Flu.
The programme goes beyond the effect of the pandemic and looks at
factors like origin, transmission and path forward, which are un-known
to the common man."
Microkillers Week will focus on other viral threats like Ebola,
HIV and Tuberculosis. The series gives a glimpse of what future
holds for us in outbreak situations depending upon the way they
are handled. The three part series will air from Sunday, February
26 to Tuesday, February 28 with two episodes screened every night,
back to back from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. The series will be repeated
on March 1, 2 and 3 at 9:00 pm.
Note to the Editor
National Geographic Channel Asia
National Geographic Channel Asia launched on July 1, 1998. Its programming
covers adventure and exploration, natural history, science, wildlife
and people of the world. The National Geographic Channel is currently
distributed to over 30 million 24-hour homes and over 50 million
day-part cable homes in Asia Pacific. National Geographic Channel
Asia is a business enterprise of National Geographic Television,
NBC, and Fox Entertainment Group.
National Geographic Channels International National Geographic
Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way
they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming.
A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television &
Film
(NGT&F), FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting
Company (NBC), NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's
commitment to exploration, conservation and education.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which
is a joint venture of NGT&F and Fox Cable Networks Group) is
available in
over 318 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries
and 27 languages.
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For further details, please contact:
Shrey Khetarpal / Niharika Sharma
Genesis Public Relations
Tel: 9811525715 / 9811947452
E-mail: skhetarpal@genesispr.com / nsharma@genesispr.com
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