County prepares for pandemic flu
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
As we all have been hearing over the past several months, the world is bracing for the onset of a pandemic influenza outbreak. The World Health Organization has been tracking various strains of influenza worldwide and is providing guidance to those countries affected and educating those which may be at risk.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Anthony Billittier has been monitoring this information and is incorporating several of the recommendations into Erie County's disaster preparedness planning.

Just because the flu season appears to be coming to a close, it is important to note that we should not let our guard down. Influenza is highly unpredictable and can arrive at any time. The Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918 lasted on and off during a two-year period and was even seen during the summer months. It is because of this that the Erie County Department of Health has been actively involved in establishing a plan that would assist our county's residents should a pandemic flu descend upon our region.

As part of this planning, Erie County personnel have participated in numerous training events designed to evaluate and improve our medical countermeasure capabilities to provide mass vaccinations and prophylaxis for all residents of the county.

All of our Health Department staff have completed Public Health Core Competency training prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Incident Management System training and certification, and are continuing training in advanced emergency preparedness.

We have also developed a risk communication

plan that will allow us to coordinate emergency response activities with local municipalities,

state and federal agencies, area hospitals and government entities for the Niagara Region of Ontario.

Enhanced surveillance, epidemiological and laboratory analysis capabilities have been expanded, which will help us identify the presence of pandemic influenza at its onset. As with any health or medical problem, early detection is vital for a successful outcome.

In the event of an outbreak, the public may be asked to restrict certain activities as part of an overall plan for disease/infection control. Such restrictions may involve the cancellation of social gatherings such as religious services, sporting events and movies. The Health Department is also preparing, should the need arise, to quarantine infected individuals.

As I stated previously, we cannot let our guard down. Rest assured that we will continue to develop and hone our skills to ensure that in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, we will be there to provide the emergency and medical care that may be necessary to protect our citizens.