Pandemic Flu Preparations

Avian Flu Virus also known as H5N1 has caused worry amongst health professionals throughout the world. The continued spread of a highly pathogenic Avian H5N1 across Eastern Asia and into other countries has raised serious concerns about a potential human pandemic.  The World Health Organization Pandemic Alert Phase (at publication time) is Phase 3:  No or limited human to human transmission. The current virus is a possible risk for a pandemic because it is especially virulent, spread by migratory birds, is transmitted from birds to mammals and in very limited circumstances to humans. The most important caution is that it continues to evolve.

The health organizations of the world have united to monitor the progress of this disease. They have established new and fortified existing early detection systems. The United States government has provided funds to innovate faster methods to develop vaccines when the final evolution has occurred.

The United States Department of Health & Human Services and the Center for Disease Control have provided funding, expertise and assistance to each state to develop state pandemic plans. The Secretary of Health has attended State Pandemic Summits in almost every State in the Union. New Jersey’s was held at Rutgers University on May 31st. The State of New Jersey has an extensive draft Pandemic Plan in place.

The Hunterdon County Department of Health has developed a plan for our County using the State Plan as a model. In Readington,  the Board of Health and the Emergency Management Team are working closely together to prepare our township. The first and most important phase is to get all the necessary information to each citizen on how to prepare for such an event. The national and state governments will be stretched beyond their limits if such a pandemic should occur. Self-preparation and self-sufficiency will be the key words for individual citizen readiness.  We would encourage every member of our community to log on to these following internet sites and obtain all the necessary information to: (a) create a family emergency plan and to (b) fill the list of necessary supplies to keep in each home. The sites are filled with information and answer many questions.

Readington Township Website -- www.readingtontwp.org in the RESIDENT ALERTS  
                    box, is a direct link to the Hunterdon County Department of Health
                    www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/health.htm with multiple links to information..
                    There is also a link to – www.pandemicflu.gov where there are many fact
                    sheets and checklists.

For those who do not have a computer, much of this material is available at the front desk of the municipal building or at our Board of Health office.

We will be having meetings in September for various groups in the community to further preparations and will continue to post information as it becomes available.

Readington Township Board of Health