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Bird Flu
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. 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. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.
Seminole County Emergency Management has been working very closely with the Seminole County Health Department, municipalities, and hospitals in preparation for a pandemic flu event. Understanding the basic facts on potential threats promotes a culture of preparedness. Get to know what bird flu is, why it's important to be prepared, and how you can educate your family and community.
For more information, please call Seminole County Emergency Management (407) 665-5102 and request your copy of the Seminole County / CDC public outreach booklet on the pandemic flu. You may also go to the pandemic flu website.
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. 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. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.
Seminole County Emergency Management has been working very closely with the Seminole County Health Department, municipalities, and hospitals in preparation for a pandemic flu event. Understanding the basic facts on potential threats promotes a culture of preparedness. Get to know what bird flu is, why it's important to be prepared, and how you can educate your family and community.
- Avian influenza - commonly called "bird flu" - is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them. However, some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become infected, often fatally.
- One strain of avian influenza, the H5N1 virus, is endemic in much of Asia and has recently spread into Europe. Avian H5N1 infections have recently killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries.
- Currently, close contact with infected poultry has been the primary source for human infection. Though rare, there have been isolated reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
For more information, please call Seminole County Emergency Management (407) 665-5102 and request your copy of the Seminole County / CDC public outreach booklet on the pandemic flu. You may also go to the pandemic flu website.
