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Pandemic Planning: Minnesota Summit. 3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center December 14, 2005. Preparing for a pandemic requires the leveraging of all instruments of national power, and coordinated action by all segments of government and society.
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Pandemic Planning:Minnesota Summit 3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center December 14, 2005
Preparing for a pandemic requires the leveraging of all instruments of national power, and coordinated action by all segments of government and society.
The influenza virus will not respect political or geographic boundaries -- a threat against one nation is a threat against the entire world. Mike LeavittSecretaryUS Department of Health and Human Services
…Pandemic planning must occur at all levels of government all sectors of society. …We must develop a nationwide system of plans integrated to address the shared threat.
In the last 300 years, the world has experienced 10 influenza pandemics, …three in the last century. * Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/keyfacts.htm † Source: Homeland Security Council, National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, November 2005
The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 25-30 percent of the world’s population fell ill500,000 deaths in the US
Influenza viruses do not respect the distinctions of race, sex, age, profession or nationality, and are not constrained by geographic boundaries.
Migratory Bird Flyways H5N1 in birds… coming soon to a flock near you?
We do not know whether the H5N1 influenza virus in birds will be the virus that sets off a pandemic. It is still primarily a disease among animals not people. But the signs are worrisome, and we must be prepared.Bruce Gellin, M.D.DirectorNational Vaccine Program OfficeUS Department of Health and Human Services
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines six pandemic alert phasesWe are currently at Phase 3
So far, there is no sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1 influenza…..but we must prepare.
The Three Pillars of the NationalStrategy for Pandemic Influenza1. Preparedness and Communication2. Surveillance and Detection3. Response and Containment
Scientists cannot predict the severity and impact of an influenza pandemic, … The associated economic impact in our country alone could range between $71.3 and $166.5 billion.Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H.Director, Centers for Disease Controland Prevention
…a newly emerging influenza virus can wreak catastrophic damage worldwide in a matter of months.Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Robust pandemic preparedness requires coordination with state and local public health officials and emergency responders.
….an infection carried by one person can be transmitted to tens or hundreds of others. For this reason, individual action is perhaps the most important element of pandemic preparedness and response.