Niko
Editor, Senior Moderator
Link to plan:
http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/download/KS_Pan_flu_10_05.pdf
Main site:
http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/pandemic_influenza.htm
Pandemic Influenza Information
Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus, to which people have little or no immunity, appears in humans and then spreads easily from person to person. The symptoms of such a virus would probably be similar to those of seasonal influenza, but the duration and/or severity of the symptoms might be different.
The virus would likely spread the same way as a seasonal influenza virus. The prevention and treatment measures for such a virus would also be the same as for seasonal influenza. The H5N1 "bird flu" is one virus that could potentially cause a pandemic. Any one of several other new or unusual strains of influenza could also cause a pandemic.
Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe during the 20th century causing millions of deaths. No one knows when the next pandemic may strike or which variation of the influenza virus it will be. Efforts are underway to combat the serious impact this pandemic could have on Kansans. To learn more, check out the various resources available through this Web page.
Impact of Pandemic Influenza
If a new and severe strain of influenza were to begin spreading around the world, Kansas would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States would be severe. In the absence of any control measures (vaccinations or antivirals), it has been estimated that a medium-level pandemic in the U.S. could cause:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is taking the possibility of pandemic influenza very seriously. KDHE has developed the Kansas Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Response Plan. The plan calls for public health agencies to perform disease tracking and investigation. Local, state and federal agencies, healthcare professionals, and the private sector will work together in a coordinated effort to maintain essential public services, preserve community health and protect the health and safety of Kansans. The plan builds upon the infrastructure and successful partnerships that were developed over the past several years as agencies in Kansas adopted a more comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness planning. These agencies will share information with one another and communicate health messages across the state quickly and accurately throughout the duration of the pandemic.
A summary of the Kansas Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Response Plan is available here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Pandemic Influenza Plan provides a blueprint for preparing for the challenges that lie ahead for the state and the nation.
http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/download/KS_Pan_flu_10_05.pdf
Main site:
http://www.kdheks.gov/flu/pandemic_influenza.htm
Pandemic Influenza Information
Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus, to which people have little or no immunity, appears in humans and then spreads easily from person to person. The symptoms of such a virus would probably be similar to those of seasonal influenza, but the duration and/or severity of the symptoms might be different.
The virus would likely spread the same way as a seasonal influenza virus. The prevention and treatment measures for such a virus would also be the same as for seasonal influenza. The H5N1 "bird flu" is one virus that could potentially cause a pandemic. Any one of several other new or unusual strains of influenza could also cause a pandemic.
Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe during the 20th century causing millions of deaths. No one knows when the next pandemic may strike or which variation of the influenza virus it will be. Efforts are underway to combat the serious impact this pandemic could have on Kansans. To learn more, check out the various resources available through this Web page.
Impact of Pandemic Influenza
If a new and severe strain of influenza were to begin spreading around the world, Kansas would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States would be severe. In the absence of any control measures (vaccinations or antivirals), it has been estimated that a medium-level pandemic in the U.S. could cause:
- 89,000 to 207,000 deaths
- 314,000 to 734,000 hospitalizations
- 18 to 42 million outpatient visits to healthcare facilities
- 20 to 47 million people becoming sick
- An economic impact ranging between $71.3 and $166.5 billion
- 2,500 deaths
- 5,000 hospitalizations
- 500,000 outpatient visits
- 1 million may become ill
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is taking the possibility of pandemic influenza very seriously. KDHE has developed the Kansas Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Response Plan. The plan calls for public health agencies to perform disease tracking and investigation. Local, state and federal agencies, healthcare professionals, and the private sector will work together in a coordinated effort to maintain essential public services, preserve community health and protect the health and safety of Kansans. The plan builds upon the infrastructure and successful partnerships that were developed over the past several years as agencies in Kansas adopted a more comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness planning. These agencies will share information with one another and communicate health messages across the state quickly and accurately throughout the duration of the pandemic.
A summary of the Kansas Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Response Plan is available here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Pandemic Influenza Plan provides a blueprint for preparing for the challenges that lie ahead for the state and the nation.
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