PANDEMIC NEWS, INFORMATION AND LINKS

UPDATE: As of July 7, 2008 the World Health Organization has listed the pandemic alert level at Level 3, which means there is little to no spread of pandemic influenza (bird flu) from person to person. At this time spread is limited to those who are in close contact with infected birds.

INFECTIONS AND DEATHS: While there have been no human cases of the bird flu (H5N1) in the United States or North America, worldwide there have been 385 confirmed human cases of the bird flu (H5N1), and 243 of those have been fatal. Indonesia has had the most cases, 135, and the most deaths, 110. Viet Nam - 106 cases and 52 deaths; Egypt - 50 cases and 22 deaths; China - 30 cases and 20 deaths; and Thailand - 27 cases and 17 deaths.

PLANNING CHECKLISTS FROM CDC:

Families and Individuals

Long-term Care Facilities

Schools K-12

Childcare Centers

Colleges and Universities

Businesses

Law Enforcement Agencies

Home Healthcare Agencies

Correctional Facilities

LINKS:

Centers for Disease Control

Ohio Department of Health Pandemic Page

US Department of Labor

Red Cross

Flu Wikie Public Forum

 

BROCHURES AND INFORMATION:

Handwashing Poster

Preparing for a Pandemic

Bird Flu

In Home Care During a Pandemic

Pandemic Planning for Business

It's Not Flu as Usual

Red Cross Family Preparedness

Pandemic Flu Guide for Citizens

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

What is a pandemic? A "pandemic" is an outbreak of influenza that occurs across much of the world at the same time. An "epidemic" is a localized outbreak.

What causes a pandemic? A pandemic arises when a new form or combination of the influenza virus emerges and mutates so that it can spread sucessfully from person to person. Also, pandemics may occur when an old form of the influenza virus - one that may not have circulated for a generation or more - reemerges.

What is the bird flu? The bird flu, at times also called avian flu, is a type of influenza that is common in birds. However, humans who come into close contact with infected birds (through blood or droppings) can contract the virus. There is concern that eventually this virus (scientific name H5N1) will mutate so that it can successfully sustain itself and spread among humans. Scientists identify the various forms of the influenza virus by two proteins that are found on its surface. The "H" stands for hemagglutinin and there are 16 subtypes of this protein; the "N" stands for neuraminidase, for which there are nine subtypes. For instance, the Spanish flu was designated H1N1.

Is the bird flu a pandemic? The bird flu is not a pandemic, at least not yet. So far, it hasn't been able to sustain a successful spread from person to person, but if and when it is able to do so, it could cause a pandmeic. There is also the possibility that another form of the influenza virus could lead to a pandmeic.

What does "isolation" mean during a pandemic? If there is a pandemic, public health authorities will probably issue orders to "isolate" those who become infected with influenza, separating them from those who are not infected. Initially, this would occur in a hospital setting, but if it were a major pandemic and the hospitals were full, citizens would have to care for their loved ones in the home. For the safety of others those suffering from pandemic influenza should be separated, or "isolated" from all family members but the one giving care.

What is a quarantine? During a pandemic, or any other infectious disease outbreak, public health officials may order that those who have had contact with an infected person be "quarantined" and separated from others, until either they begin to show symptoms of the disease or enough time has passed to prove that they are not infected.

What other measures might the Ross County Health District take if there is a pandemic? It's very likely that in the event of a pandemic, schools and child care facilities would be closed to slow the spread of influenza. Also, orders may be issued that would ban public gatherings, such as sporting events, meetings, conferences, and anything that brings large groups of people into close contact. It's possible that movie theaters or other places of amusement and entertainment could also be closed for a time, but out of necessity stores - especially grocery stores - would be allowed to remain open. However, they may be asked to limit crowds. During the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak the Chillicothe City Health Department even banned public funerals and burials. Many victims were buried without a funeral, but some small services were held in the home, with only immediate family allowed to attend.