Pandemic Bird Flu:

What You Should Know

Bates College Health Center

 

Pandemic Flu

-Human flu that causes a global outbreak of severe illness and death

-Disease can spread easily from person to person because there is little natural immunity
-Currently there is no pandemic flu present in the world, however several scientist believe that it will not be long before another influenza pandemic occurs

 Avian Flu

-A contagious viral infection that occurs naturally in birds

-These viruses usually do not infect humans, but some strains can be found in farmed bird species, pet birds, and wild birds

-Many wild bird species can carry the virus without showing any signs

-The strain of the avian influenza virus that is currently of greatest
concern is H5N1, which has killed a large number of wild waterfowl and domestic poultry in Asia and Africa, and recently spread to Europe

-It is a concern because a small number of people have contracted it from birds,
many of whom have died

Avian Flu As An Epidemic

 -The H5N1 virus would be an epidemic because the human population has not been readily exposed to this strain, meaning there is no resistance in the population

 Current Situation

 -Human to human transmission is not yet possible

 -People have very little immunity to the disease

  -In 2003, three people caught H5N1 Avian Flu in China.  This was the first outbreak since 18 people caught the disease in Hong Kong in 1997

 -Since 2003, there have been 258 confirmed cases of H5N1 Avian Flu in humans, and 154 deaths (as of November 29, 2006)

 - Estimates vary, but if a pandemic occurs, experts believe anywhere from 2 million to 150 million people could die

  For more information go to http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

 Travel and Avian Flu

 In countries affected with H5N1…

 -Avoid all contact with live poultry and wild birds

 -Eat only thoroughly cooked poultry and by-products

 -Avoid commercial or backyard poultry and live food markets

 -Avoid any surfaces contaminated with poultry or animal excretions

 -Wash hands regularly or use an alcohol-based wipe or gel

-This virus has demonstrated the ability to mutate quickly

-The H5N2 virus that caused an epidemic in 1983 started as a low mortality pathogen but quickly changed and resulted in a 90% mortality rate. The H5N1 virus has the same capabilities as the H5N2

-Of the population that has contracted H5N1 in Asia, more then half of the cases have already resulted in fatality

 

-The “mixing” theory shows that H5N1 can become a human virus if a host is infected with both the avian and human flu. This would allow the two to “combine” into a dangerous virus

What To Do If The School Closes From Avian Flu Virus?

-Notify guardians of event and necessity of returning home immediately

-Create a personal plan with your family today so you are prepared

-Make proper travel arrangements:

- Portland International Jetport:   207-874-8877

- Amtrak Station (Portland)        1-800-872-7245

- Grey Hound Bus Station (Lewiston)    207-782-0311

-Quickly pack all things you will need, school may be closed for some time

-Check the Bates directory for other students who live nearby to arrange for quick car pooling

-Monitor your own health and notify medical personnel if you acquire symptoms