May 22, 2007

Global Flu Pandemic Threat

Michael Wurst, Emergency Response Coordinator for the Auglaize County Health Department addressed the club and shared information concerning the global threat of an influenza pandemic.  Given flu history from the past 2 centuries, it would appear that we are due for a pandemic outbreak and the federal and local governments are working to educate the general public to help limit the spread should an outbreak occur.

A pandemic differs from the traditional seasonal outbreaks that we are accustomed to in that a pandemic affects a much larger portion of the population and there is widespread infection or even death in the worst cases.  Traditional vaccines are not effective in these situations and by the time the strain of influenza is identified, it is too late to develop a vaccine to curb the spread.  Typical lead time to develop a vaccine is 6-8 months after the strain is identified.

Of particular concern is the Avian or bird flu that is frequently on the news.  The bulk of documented instances of bird flu occur in Asian countries where it is not unusual for humans to closely interact with birds that may carry the virus.  It is considered that the potential exists for an outbreak in humans that would spread rapidly across the globe.  In addition, the impact on the food supply in this country could be severely impacted by an outbreak if the poultry flocks become infected.

Since the ability to rapidly produce vaccines in mass quantity is impossible should an outbreak occur, the emphasis is being put on educating the public on how to prevent the spread.  The most effective means is to limit social contact by a minimum spacing of 7 feet between people and limited gathering in crowds and public spaces.  This may require the shut down of businesses and schools for a period of 3 weeks or so and other areas of public gathering such as shopping centers, malls and grocery stores.  It is estimated that about 40% of the population would be unable to work and food supplies would be limited as a result.  It is recommended that a minimum of 3 weeks supply of food be kept on hand in each household and a gallon of water per person per day for the same time span.

Spread is primarily propagated through sneezing and the resulting discharge of infected fluids and by way of the hands.  Effective hand washing is a significant deterrent to the spread.

For more information on the potential for a pandemic outbreak and how to prepare and respond, please visit the following websites: www.pandemicflu.gov,  www.cdc.gov/flu/ or www.auglaizehealth.org.  You can also contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO by phone.

Hosting Rotarian: Nancy Conradi