The emergence of avian influenza outbreaks in Southeast Asia and cases in humans has in recent years reignited fears of a pandemic that could claim millions of lives. Although the number of human H5N1 infections has remained relatively limited since the outbreak began in 2003 (348 cases, including 216 deaths, had been reported worldwide as of December 31, 2007), many experts believe that a new pandemic is inevitable. However, no one can predict when it will occur, nor its scale or severity. In this context, France, like many developed countries, has undertaken—at the urging of the WHO—the development of national plans to address an influenza pandemic. As early as 2004, INPES produced audio informational materials intended for journalists and healthcare professionals. The InVS, for its part, established a real-time surveillance system for mortality and severe forms of influenza. These two agencies have also collaborated on the implementation of a survey, known as "Nicolle," on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the French population and healthcare professionals regarding infectious risks in general and influenza in particular, whether seasonal, avian, or pandemic.