A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A can pandemic occur when a new virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease may be spread easily person-to-person, cause serious illness, and may be spread across the country and/or around the world. Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 virus across eastern Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health. To date, there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease, but the concern is that H5N1 may evolve into a virus capable of human-to-human transmission.
Avian Influenza Viruses Avian (bird) flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally among birds. There are different subtypes of these viruses all of which are commonly found in birds. The avian flu subtype currently of concern is referred to as the H5N1 subtype.
At this time there have been no known bird or human cases of H5N1 documented in the United States or North America. It is safe to eat poultry and eggs in the United States, however all poultry should be completely cooked. Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds. So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person. Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus may one day be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another. Since 2007, new outbreaks of influenza H5N1 among poultry and wild birds have been reported in countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Human cases of influenza A (H5N1) infection have been reported in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Pandemic Preparedness The City of Dana Point and the County of Orange, in conjunction with the State of California, the Centers of Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the World Health Organization are actively monitoring the progression of the H5N1 Avian Flu virus. Health Care Agencies within the U.S. are actively coordinating response plans should an outbreak occur within the United States, while governing bodies are developing plans to maintain an active seat of government and to preserve law and order.
As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. You should be aware of the common and easy ways to prevent the spread of disease. Washing your hands often with warm soapy water, before you eat, after contact with others, when returning from public areas. Viruses can get on your hands and you can become infected when you touch your face or ingest them with your food. Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of infection to others in your general vicinity and keep your distance if you or people around you feel ill. Stay home from work, school or social activities if you are sick.
For the most current data on pandemic flu issues and more preparedness tips, go to the official U.S. Government pandemic website: www.pandemicflu.gov
