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Hamilton County Pandemic Influenza Plan 2007
Community Presentation on April 20, 2007
What is pandemic influenza?
A pandemic is a global
outbreak of disease. A flu pandemic occurs
when a new influenza virus emerges for which people
have little or no immunity, and for which there is
no vaccine. As a result,
pandemic flu is likely to be more severe, affect
more people, and cause more deaths than seasonal
influenza.
Why is pandemic influenza so serious?
Once a pandemic virus develops, it can spread
rapidly, causing outbreaks around the world. The
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) predicts that as much as 25% to 30% of the
U.S. population could be affected.
Why is bird flu a concern?
The current bird flu outbreak in Asia, Europe, and
Africa is caused by H5N1, an influenza A virus.
H5N1 affects wild and domesticated birds. Humans
have become infected with H5N1 as a result of direct
and close contact with sick birds. At this time,
the virus has not developed the ability to pass
easily from person to person and cause outbreaks in
humans. However, there is concern worldwide that
this virus may evolve into a form that is easily
passed between people, starting a flu pandemic.
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