Mellie
Well-known member
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What to do in the event of avian flu
By: Rebecca Maynard
07/19/2006
A variety of people, including local government officials, area citizens, health-care professionals and law enforcement, gathered in Winchester June 22 to discuss ways to cope with the possibility of an avian flu epidemic.
Dr. Diane Helentjaris, health director of the Lord Fairfax Health District, took part in the summit at Shenandoah University's Health Professions building and afterward emphasized that the meeting was a time to discuss ideas, but that firm plans are still a work in progress.
Avian flu is frequently covered in today's news, so much so that most people are probably aware of it. While the possibility of a pandemic is uncertain, it is cause for concern. Although the H5N1 strain of the virus is currently believed to spread primarily from birds to humans, the World Health Organization (WHO)reported last month that six out of seven people in an Indonesian family died after being exposed to one family member who had contracted the virus from a bird.
WHO also said that no evidence was found to suggest that the virus has mutated to a strain easily passed from human to human. Nevertheless, many people around the United States feel that preparations should be made in case an emergency strikes.
The good news is that, according to the Virginia Department of Health, the Trust for America's Health organization gave Virginia the highest score of all the United States for preparedness efforts for major health emergencies.
"Every locality has to have its own response plan," she said.
Clarke County Administrator David Ash said that currently Clarke County officials are gathering information and looking to agencies with expertise when it comes to planning for a pandemic or other serious crisis. He also emphasized the need for individuals to take responsibility, an idea that was repeated throughout the summit.
"In the event of an emergency, people need to be prepared to take care of themselves and to do without public service," Ash said.
Aaron Kesecker, emergency planner with the Lord Fairfax Health District, emphasized the need for self-sufficiency as well. He recommended that people keep an extra supply of food, over-the-counter medicine and water on hand. Proper hand washing and staying home when feeling sick are also crucial, he said.
Kimberly Kline, regional epidemiologist for the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, recommended that businesses follow a "1, 2, 3" rule, meaning that at least two additional people should know how to perform any given job.
The issue of schools also arose. While it would be detrimental for students to lose class time, the consensus was that safety is of utmost importance and school closings may occur if necessary. Parents are encouraged to team up with each other and their local school officials to come up with a workable plan in case of an emergency.
For information about avian flu, visit www.pandemicflu.gov or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
A draft of the Virginia Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Plan can be found at www.vdh.state.va.us .
What to do in the event of avian flu
By: Rebecca Maynard
07/19/2006
A variety of people, including local government officials, area citizens, health-care professionals and law enforcement, gathered in Winchester June 22 to discuss ways to cope with the possibility of an avian flu epidemic.
Dr. Diane Helentjaris, health director of the Lord Fairfax Health District, took part in the summit at Shenandoah University's Health Professions building and afterward emphasized that the meeting was a time to discuss ideas, but that firm plans are still a work in progress.
Avian flu is frequently covered in today's news, so much so that most people are probably aware of it. While the possibility of a pandemic is uncertain, it is cause for concern. Although the H5N1 strain of the virus is currently believed to spread primarily from birds to humans, the World Health Organization (WHO)reported last month that six out of seven people in an Indonesian family died after being exposed to one family member who had contracted the virus from a bird.
WHO also said that no evidence was found to suggest that the virus has mutated to a strain easily passed from human to human. Nevertheless, many people around the United States feel that preparations should be made in case an emergency strikes.
The good news is that, according to the Virginia Department of Health, the Trust for America's Health organization gave Virginia the highest score of all the United States for preparedness efforts for major health emergencies.
"Every locality has to have its own response plan," she said.
Clarke County Administrator David Ash said that currently Clarke County officials are gathering information and looking to agencies with expertise when it comes to planning for a pandemic or other serious crisis. He also emphasized the need for individuals to take responsibility, an idea that was repeated throughout the summit.
"In the event of an emergency, people need to be prepared to take care of themselves and to do without public service," Ash said.
Aaron Kesecker, emergency planner with the Lord Fairfax Health District, emphasized the need for self-sufficiency as well. He recommended that people keep an extra supply of food, over-the-counter medicine and water on hand. Proper hand washing and staying home when feeling sick are also crucial, he said.
Kimberly Kline, regional epidemiologist for the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, recommended that businesses follow a "1, 2, 3" rule, meaning that at least two additional people should know how to perform any given job.
The issue of schools also arose. While it would be detrimental for students to lose class time, the consensus was that safety is of utmost importance and school closings may occur if necessary. Parents are encouraged to team up with each other and their local school officials to come up with a workable plan in case of an emergency.
For information about avian flu, visit www.pandemicflu.gov or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
A draft of the Virginia Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Plan can be found at www.vdh.state.va.us .