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LEPC hears report on influenza pandemic
Speaker urges preparedness
Mary Margaret MOorhead - Staff Writer

Members of the Ripley County LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) at their September meeting heard Dr. James Howell of the Indiana Department of Health explain the role of the responder in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Using a power-point presentation, Dr. Howell explained that an influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza virus appears in the human population "Past pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss," he said.

With the present attention being paid to this possibility, state agencies are encouraged to be prepared and to understand each agency's role. "Public health is a state matter," said Howell. "Local health department has the authority to respond to epidemics, outbreaks, and issues of public health concern."

Speaking of the impact of pandemic influenza, Howell explained five aspects: It spreads rapidly throughout the world; there is high morbidity; excess mortality; significant burden on the medical system; and social and economic disruption.

According to the information given to LEPC members, the bird flu which health groups fear could spread rapidly. Because of this, control measures have been put in place in Asia that is resulting in restricting movement of birds, disinfecting facilities, vaccinating poultry flocks, and educating poultry farmers and the public.

Surveillance objectives that are being put in place in this county determine when, where, and which influenza viruses are circulating and detect the emergence of novel influenza viruses that may cause a pandemic.

Pandemic influenza is not season and can develop during fall, winter, spring, and even summer. Preventive measures include hand washing, covering the mouth when sneezing and coughing, discarding used tissues, refraining from the use of handkerchiefs, and staying home if ill.

According to Dr. Howell, the control specifics are basically unknown. Health agencies will not know exactly how pandemic strain will behave until it arrives.

It is proposed that those who are ill be isolated and those who are exposed but not ill be quarantined. Any kind of vaccine would require six to eight months to develop against a pandemic strain, and while some antivirals may be effective, the supply will likely be limited.

Health authorities believe widespread pandemic will occur everywhere almost simultaneously and could last a year or more. Local response groups should be working on a plan. "A plan is better than having no plan," the doctor said.

Although there are many unknowns, it is believed that pandemic is more likely than a bioterrorism event. Experts say a pandemic is WHEN, not If.

An influenza pandemic would require a large-scale response both in terms of personnel and material resources. A great deal of work is being done now to develop and plan for those resources and to identify where and how they will be accessed.

LEPC chairperson Pat Thomas introduced the speaker, then conducted the regular meeting.

Plans were made for an LEPC presentation at the Ripley County Ag Day for third graders on Wednesday, October 5, at the Osgood fairgrounds and for an upcoming training for "Making the Right Call," a program to be presented by the Indiana Poison Control Center at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital Rehab Center on Saturday, October 22, from noon till 3:00 p.m.

Janice Hosmer, EMS coordinator for Margaret Mary Community Hospital, has announced the cost of the poison control program to be $10.00, which will include a video kit with two videos, a teaching guide and handouts in both English and Spanish.

Reservations can be made by e-mailing Hosmer at jehosmer@seidata.com or calling her at (812)654-2180.