CDC prepares for pandemic
Eryn Lowe
Issue date: 11/16/05 Section: News
Or it could be worse. CDC officials say they are concerned that the virus could suddenly sweep the nation like the Spanish influenza in 1918.
"Nature could throw us something we're not even thinking about. This could turn out to be a real strain on the health care system and social situation," Rutz said. "Public authorities shouldn't say not to worry."
The federal government is working with the CDC to make a response plan for the state and local branches to accommodate to.
The national plan includes working through international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and regional organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Rutz says that one of the keys to preventing human-to-human infection is to work closely with Asia and the WHO on response plans and surveillance to stop the problem before it worsens.
"It's in our interest to help Asia, share our scientific expertise and establish better relations," Rutz said. "We have to know what's going on elsewhere to help at home."
Rutz says surveillance on international trade and bird migration will also be critical. Government officials plan to screen shipments and monitor dying birds and animals for viruses that could spread to the population.
National health officials and President Bush are also looking for ways to produce and stock up on possible vaccines.
President Bush proposed $1.2 billion for vaccine supply for 20 million citizens, but WHO currently approximated that avian flu could impact 67 million people in the United States.
Bush is also asking for $1 billion to stock up on anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza. Trust for American Health says with the current amount of U.S. Tamiflu, 278,594 infected people in Idaho could not receive Tamiflu.
Bush also wants $2.8 billion to hasten the development of vaccines to keep up with the changing virus. But Rutz says this is a slow process and finding a national supply of a vaccine that is sure to immunize will be a challenge.
"Nature could throw us something we're not even thinking about. This could turn out to be a real strain on the health care system and social situation," Rutz said. "Public authorities shouldn't say not to worry."
The federal government is working with the CDC to make a response plan for the state and local branches to accommodate to.
The national plan includes working through international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and regional organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Rutz says that one of the keys to preventing human-to-human infection is to work closely with Asia and the WHO on response plans and surveillance to stop the problem before it worsens.
"It's in our interest to help Asia, share our scientific expertise and establish better relations," Rutz said. "We have to know what's going on elsewhere to help at home."
Rutz says surveillance on international trade and bird migration will also be critical. Government officials plan to screen shipments and monitor dying birds and animals for viruses that could spread to the population.
National health officials and President Bush are also looking for ways to produce and stock up on possible vaccines.
President Bush proposed $1.2 billion for vaccine supply for 20 million citizens, but WHO currently approximated that avian flu could impact 67 million people in the United States.
Bush is also asking for $1 billion to stock up on anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza. Trust for American Health says with the current amount of U.S. Tamiflu, 278,594 infected people in Idaho could not receive Tamiflu.
Bush also wants $2.8 billion to hasten the development of vaccines to keep up with the changing virus. But Rutz says this is a slow process and finding a national supply of a vaccine that is sure to immunize will be a challenge.