Avian flu pandemic worth planning for

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Avian flu pandemic worth planning for
http://thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/OPINION01/703020318/1014/OPINION

"I'd rather we plan on it now than wake up one day to find that it's here."
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Monterey County would be in the direct path of an avian flu pandemic if one were to occur.
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And one will reach our shores, say health officials. It's just a matter of "when."

Of course, we can't predict when a flu pandemic will sweep across the globe - this year or next or much later. But the probability is high that one eventually will strike. As pandemics go, the world has experienced one at least every 100 years. Why not an avian flu pandemic in our time?

Given that scenario, now is a good time to add to the disaster plans already in place at local schools, businesses and public agencies.

We know what to do in case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood, but what about a deadly communicable disease?

Planning against the avian flu is urged because in a pandemic, the availability of a vaccine to fight the virus wouldn't be available right away. A disaster plan should address what to do until a vaccine arrives.

The concern is urgent because the virus is deadly - half of the people who've contracted it have died. In the past four years, the bird flu circulating in Asia and Africa has killed at least 164 people.

A flu pandemic would wreak havoc on the economy and daily life. Schools, malls and workplaces would be virtually cleared, both by the virus and by quarantine.

Skeleton crews would be left to do the work at job sites.

Concerts, sports and other public events would be canceled. It's important that employers, merchants and families are aware of what they can do to lessen the effects when a pandemic hits.

The avian flu is as close as a plane - or a bird's - flight away.

Given our proximity to, and commercial involvement with, the Pacific Rim countries, California and the Central Coast are among the areas that could experience some of the first cases of a flu pandemic.

Migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway also could be carrying avian flu, according to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

The Pacific Flyway extends from Central America to Alaska. The California coast is one of its principal routes, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Ducks, geese, sea gulls and shorebirds are the most frequent source of avian flu viruses. Waterfowl from as far as Siberia could infect chickens, turkeys and other fowl residing in California back yards, farms and ranches.

The county Health Department has the funding and resources to help residents plan against the pandemic.

If you haven't yet heard from health officials, be sure they hear from you on this serious public health issue.

Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Hugh Stallworth​