2008 Woodie Awards
Worldwide spread of Bird flu causes ruffled feathers
U.S. and world authorities promise not to chicken out in preparations to fight pandemic
Courtney Mummert
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: News
Avian Influenza, also known as the Bird flu, has swept across Asia and Europe. It has caused more than 60 human deaths and made more than 120 seriously ill. The current outbreak is the result of a viral strain known as H5N1. It is fast becoming a threat to worldwide health.
The H5N1 virus has yet to be discovered in North America, but most scientists and researchers agree we will eventually experience another pandemic. Recently, President George Bush made a speech at the National Institute of Health. He outlined a strategy to protect the United States against a possible outbreak. This plan covers three critical goals for defense against the virus.
"To meet these goals, our strategy will require the combined efforts of government officials in public health, medical, veterinary and law enforcement communities and the private sector," Bush said.
As the first step, Bush announced an International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza at the United Nations in September. This program requires all participating countries to immediately share information and samples if an outbreak occurs. By doing so, more information will be available, and all countries involved will be more prepared. So far, this partnership includes 88 countries and nine international organizations.
Secondly, the United States is taking necessary precautions to protect the American people. The U.S. will stockpile vaccines and anti-viral drugs, and will continue to improve vaccine development.
Anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza would be used in the early months of an outbreak while scientists formulate a vaccine. These drugs cannot prevent a person from contracting the flu, but if taken within 48 hours of infection, they can dramatically reduce the illness' severity.
Lastly, the United States must be ready to respond quickly and efficiently to a pandemic outbreak. Medical supplies such as hospital beds, respirators, and syringes would be in short supply, so they are being stockpiled in various locations throughout America.
The H5N1 virus has yet to be discovered in North America, but most scientists and researchers agree we will eventually experience another pandemic. Recently, President George Bush made a speech at the National Institute of Health. He outlined a strategy to protect the United States against a possible outbreak. This plan covers three critical goals for defense against the virus.
"To meet these goals, our strategy will require the combined efforts of government officials in public health, medical, veterinary and law enforcement communities and the private sector," Bush said.
As the first step, Bush announced an International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza at the United Nations in September. This program requires all participating countries to immediately share information and samples if an outbreak occurs. By doing so, more information will be available, and all countries involved will be more prepared. So far, this partnership includes 88 countries and nine international organizations.
Secondly, the United States is taking necessary precautions to protect the American people. The U.S. will stockpile vaccines and anti-viral drugs, and will continue to improve vaccine development.
Anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza would be used in the early months of an outbreak while scientists formulate a vaccine. These drugs cannot prevent a person from contracting the flu, but if taken within 48 hours of infection, they can dramatically reduce the illness' severity.
Lastly, the United States must be ready to respond quickly and efficiently to a pandemic outbreak. Medical supplies such as hospital beds, respirators, and syringes would be in short supply, so they are being stockpiled in various locations throughout America.