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 Pandemic Flu Defined
Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruptions and economic loss.
For a flu pandemic to occur, three conditions must be met:
- An new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population
- The new virus must cause serious illness in people
- The new virus is spread easily from person to person worldwide
Many scientists believe that avian influenza will develop into the next pandemic. Currently, avian influenza meets the first two criteria for being a pandemic. Avian influenza does not spread easily from person to person.
However, with every new case of avian influenza in humans it becomes more likely that avian influenza will change into a virus that is easily spread between humans and would then be considered a pandemic.
It is impossible to predict the date and severity of the next pandemic but the chances of a pandemic have increase due to the current situation with avian influenza.
Current Pandemic Threat
The World Health Organization had developed a six phase guide to measure the current situation and threat of a pandemic influenza.
Currently the world is in phase three, “Pandemic Alert”, which means that a new influenza virus has emerged that causes disease in humans, but is not yet spreading efficiently and sustainable among humans.
The world is closer now to having another influenza pandemic than it has been since 1968, when the last pandemic occurred.
Planning for Pandemic Influenza
The Planning for Pandemic Influenza DVD presentation reviews basic information about avian and pandemic flu and how you can prepare. To request a DVD presentation of Planning for Pandemic Influenza contact Kim Smith at kjsmith@franklincountyohio.gov or at 614-462-4540. The presentation closely follows the Planning for Pandemic Influenza Power Point Presentation which can be downloaded here.
Additional resources:
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