This epidemic was a viral infectious disease caused due to a deadly strain of avian influenza. In a span of less than five years, the virus spread to other parts of Southeast Asia and South Asia, having reached Bangladesh in 1963 and India in 1964. Soon after the discovery of the presence of the virus in Hong Kong, by the end of July 1968, the outbreak spread to Vietnam and Singapore. In 1969, the virus spread to other parts of the world, including Japan, Africa, South America. The virus spread to other parts of the country, prompting the Indian government to initiate public awareness drives.

Source: Indian Express March 16, 2020 14:57 UTC