Knox Co. offers suggestions in case of bird flu outbreak

[Snowy Owl]

Knox Co. offers suggestions in case of bird flu outbreak
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=4801459

By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- The Knox County Health Department says the area is not ready to battle bird flu. But officials offered suggestions Friday on how people can prepare for an outbreak.
Bird flu is an infection caused by viruses. It happens naturally in birds but it can occur in people. Confirmed cases of human infection have been reported since 1997, according to the CDC.
Fighting bird flu could cost several million dollars. The entire state has only $1.9 million in federal money to help, in case it hits. On Friday, local officials held the first of a series of public education meetings.
Assistant Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan says the purpose is, "To give them the information so they can go back and get started planning at their places of employment or where they serve people."
"Families, businesses, churches, everybody needs to plan because everyone will be affected," Buchanan says.
Here's what the health department predicts for Knox County if the bird flu arrives. At least two waves of the disease will hit in six to eight weeks time. Forty percent of the workforce will be at home sick or scared they'll become sick.
Hospitals will see 25 percent more patients and there may only be enough vaccine for healthcare workers, not for children or the elderly.
Currently, there is no vaccine commercially available to protect humans against the virus occurring in Asia and Europe. However, the CDC says efforts are underway to develop vaccines.
At Friday's meeting, officials agreed the best advice for everyone is try to stock three weeks worth of food and supplies at home because you won't want to leave if there is a bird flu outbreak.
Since that's not financially possible for most people, try to gather enough supplies to last your family for at least one week.
Official also advise re-working your family emergency plan and making sure everyone knows where to go in case you go into emergency mode.