Catastrophic bird flu and you

Pandemic could overwhelm agencies
The Department of Health Services says local officials would be largely on their own if catastrophes hit multiple cities
By Sarah Arnquist
sarnquist@thetribunenews.com


Imagine multiple hurricane Katrinas hitting several U.S. cities simultaneously and lasting for weeks. Then imagine second and third waves of similar disasters occurring several months later.

In such a scenario, state and federal departments will be overwhelmed and local officials will largely be on their own, said Dr. Howard Backer, chief medical consultant for the California Department of Health Services.

A flu pandemic would be much the same, he told a group gathered Friday in San Luis Obispo at a pandemic influenza community forum.

"Pandemics are a local phenomenon," he said. "The local jurisdictions have the responsibility to carry out services."

Participants at the forum received information on statewide and county preparedness efforts and took part in a roundtable discussion with members of the business community who have begun pandemic influenza planning efforts.

Pandemics occur when a virus mutates into a new form that humans have no immunity from. For that reason, the disease is easily transmitted between people, said Dr. Christian Sandrock, a professor at UC Davis’ medical school and member of the California Preparedness Education Network.

Pandemics naturally occur, but scientists do not know for sure when or if the H5N1 avian flu virus causing alarm in Southeast Asia will mutate and spark a worldwide pandemic, Sandrock said.

"Just like predicting an earthquake, it is very hard to put your finger on when it’s going to happen," he said.

That uncertainty reinforces the need for sufficient preparation, he said. Pandemics are unique disasters because they come in multiple waves and could last for weeks, he said.

Maintaining the community infrastructure during a pandemic outbreak is a top concern, said Dr. Gregory Thomas, San Luis Obispo County’s health officer.

The county is partially prepared now and is developing a more detailed pandemic response plan that will help the county prepare for any natural disaster, Thomas said.

"These are general preparedness steps that help us prepare for earthquakes, fires, floods or any large communicable disease outbreaks," he said.

Backer said a pandemic will disrupt all aspects of society, and businesses and individuals must also prepare.

Business leaders should begin asking how they will continue operating if their workforce is home sick, and parents should have plans to care for their children if schools close. People should get to know their neighbors, who will be their support network in a pandemic flu outbreak, Backer said.

Health experts said individuals can prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak by practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing, staying home from work when feeling ill, stockpiling two weeks worth of basic supplies and getting reliable information.

Web sites for more on pandemic flu:

www.slocounty.ca.gov/health: Local site with fact sheets on public health strategies regarding pandemic flu

www.pandemicflu.gov: U.S. government site with updates on pandemic preparedness

www.who.org: World Health Organization site with the latest information on avian flu
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