Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2008/06/25/featured_story/01top_06-25-08.txt
Officials prepare for the day pandemic flu invades Wyo.
Up to 150,000 state residents could become ill, and
2,000 could die.
By Michelle Dynes
mdynes@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE - A highly contagious strain of the influenza virus is spreading throughout the United States.
State hospitals, county health officers and agencies such as Homeland Security must collaborate to distribute antiviral drugs and track the disease.
While the scenario is an exercise, the risk is real.
This week the Wyoming Department of Health is leading a large-scale training exercise to test the state's preparation plan. The drill continues through Thursday.
"Pandemic influenza will happen in the United States," said Dr. Brent Sherard, state health officer and director of the Wyoming Department of Health. "We don't know when, but we know it will happen."
Scientists are concerned that a certain strain of bird flu in Southeast Asia could transfer to humans and spread worldwide. If a global outbreak of pandemic flu reaches Wyoming, it is estimated that 30 to 35 percent of the population could contract the illness.
"That means 150,000 (residents) would become ill," he said. "A mortality rate of 1 to 2 percent would be 1,500 to 2,000 people."
Sherard added that the exercise is a chance to test and revise Wyoming's reaction plan. Unlike other disasters, pandemic influenza outbreaks drag on. The consequences continue long after the first case is detected, stretching out for a year or longer.
"This is something, when it does hit Wyoming, it will linger," Sherard said. "It will wax, and it will wane."
During the exercise, a period of several months is compressed into two-and-a-half days, said Jim Smith, exercise coordinator from the Department of Health. Officials across the state must coordinate the distribution of antiviral drugs to alleviate symptoms and slow the spread of the disease until a vaccine is created. This could take as long as six months, he added.
Sherard said Wyoming faces unique challenges because of its topography and scattered population. Officials must decide how to maintain contact, whether it's through telephone calls, e-mail messages or visiting in person.
And since training exercise participants have less time to respond, the drill stresses the importance of communication during an outbreak, said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Department of Health.
Sherard said another concern is that the state does not have enough hospital beds to handle the increased patient load. State resources are strained by the normal seasonal influenza outbreak.
But common-sense strategies could keep residents safe.
He added that the most common question he hears from residents is: How can I protect myself and my family? Sherard said the solutions are simple. Frequently wash hands with soap and water. Cough or sneeze into sleeves or tissues. Avoid contact with anyone who is ill. And stay home when you become sick.
Officials prepare for the day pandemic flu invades Wyo.
Up to 150,000 state residents could become ill, and
2,000 could die.
By Michelle Dynes
mdynes@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE - A highly contagious strain of the influenza virus is spreading throughout the United States.
State hospitals, county health officers and agencies such as Homeland Security must collaborate to distribute antiviral drugs and track the disease.
While the scenario is an exercise, the risk is real.
This week the Wyoming Department of Health is leading a large-scale training exercise to test the state's preparation plan. The drill continues through Thursday.
"Pandemic influenza will happen in the United States," said Dr. Brent Sherard, state health officer and director of the Wyoming Department of Health. "We don't know when, but we know it will happen."
Scientists are concerned that a certain strain of bird flu in Southeast Asia could transfer to humans and spread worldwide. If a global outbreak of pandemic flu reaches Wyoming, it is estimated that 30 to 35 percent of the population could contract the illness.
"That means 150,000 (residents) would become ill," he said. "A mortality rate of 1 to 2 percent would be 1,500 to 2,000 people."
Sherard added that the exercise is a chance to test and revise Wyoming's reaction plan. Unlike other disasters, pandemic influenza outbreaks drag on. The consequences continue long after the first case is detected, stretching out for a year or longer.
"This is something, when it does hit Wyoming, it will linger," Sherard said. "It will wax, and it will wane."
During the exercise, a period of several months is compressed into two-and-a-half days, said Jim Smith, exercise coordinator from the Department of Health. Officials across the state must coordinate the distribution of antiviral drugs to alleviate symptoms and slow the spread of the disease until a vaccine is created. This could take as long as six months, he added.
Sherard said Wyoming faces unique challenges because of its topography and scattered population. Officials must decide how to maintain contact, whether it's through telephone calls, e-mail messages or visiting in person.
And since training exercise participants have less time to respond, the drill stresses the importance of communication during an outbreak, said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Department of Health.
Sherard said another concern is that the state does not have enough hospital beds to handle the increased patient load. State resources are strained by the normal seasonal influenza outbreak.
But common-sense strategies could keep residents safe.
He added that the most common question he hears from residents is: How can I protect myself and my family? Sherard said the solutions are simple. Frequently wash hands with soap and water. Cough or sneeze into sleeves or tissues. Avoid contact with anyone who is ill. And stay home when you become sick.