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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. |