Richard P. Wenzel, M.D., and Michael B. Edmond, M.D., M.P.H. NEJM Volume 361:1991-1993 November 12, 2009 Number 20
In 1743, when disease was presumed to be astral in origin, European newspapers reported on a contagious influence (influenza in Italian) that was being visited on the citizens of Rome. Two hundred years later, Wilson Smith and colleagues would isolate an influenza A virus, one of the members of the orthomyxovirus family.1 The key reservoirs of all influenza A viruses are migrating waterfowl, and intermittently, other hosts, such as pigs and people, are infected.
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In 1743, when disease was presumed to be astral in origin, European newspapers reported on a contagious influence (influenza in Italian) that was being visited on the citizens of Rome. Two hundred years later, Wilson Smith and colleagues would isolate an influenza A virus, one of the members of the orthomyxovirus family.1 The key reservoirs of all influenza A viruses are migrating waterfowl, and intermittently, other hosts, such as pigs and people, are infected.
Weblink here (free fulltext)