Briefing prepares for avian flu

The first cases of avian influenza in humans were reported in Hong Kong in 1997, and the disease has made global headlines ever since as public health officials continue to track its presence.

As the influenza becomes more widespread, American officials are preparing for prevention and containment of the virus when it hits. Along with the national and state plans implemented already, Tech has decided to take action within the campus community.

A briefing about the avian flu was held at the Student Center Theater this past Monday.

Panel members who spoke at the event included Paul Williams from the Georgia Office of Homeland Security, Arthur Yancey from the Fulton County Department of Public Health and Wellness, Alexander Isakov from the Emory University School of Medicine and Cindy Smith, Tech's director of Health Services.

Williams focused upon the animal issues regarding avian influenza.

Williams said that "[although] Georgia is the largest poultry producing state in the U.S.," and would be greatly influenced by an avian influenza pandemic, it also has "a better infrastructure" since the state has such an extensive system.

Major challenges faced by officials would involve isolation and containment of patients that have contracted the virus while simultaneously delivering essential supplies to them.

Additionally, a pandemic of the caliber of avian influenza would target the healthier, younger portion of the population, leading to a severe shortage in the workforce.

This reduction in the workforce is expected to be approximately 40 percent, which would lead to shortages in energy and supply deliverance.

Williams said that "exercising with other departments is key" and that it is necessary for individuals "to form a personal and family plan" in preparation for the event.

Yancey outlined a plan for health care officials to follow that would be implemented at the county level in the event of a pandemic. The plan includes everything from medical training to patient triage to occupational health plans.

At the conclusion of his presentation, Yancey gave the audience the following quote from the Pasteur Institute: "Currently, 264 cases of avian influenza in humans have been reported. A total of 500 cases are required for viral transmission to become a pandemic. At this rate, the Pasteur Institute estimates that there is an 80 percent chance of an avian influenza pandemic occurring within two years."

Isakov addressed the flu's pandemic parameters. According to Isakov, avian influenza has currently displayed two of the three characteristics that qualify it as a pandemic.

"While the seasonal winter flu results in 200,000 cases each year, a full-fledged pandemic would result in approximately 850,000 cases," Isakov said.

Currently, there is no vaccination for the avian flu. Out of the four antivirals that have been tested, the current strain of avian influenza (H5N1) is resistant to two. If there is no vaccine and a minimal number of antivirals, resources cannot be stockpiled.

Isakov also addressed the current state of the health care system. Citing a report released from the Institute of Medicine, he informed the audience that while approximately 115 million Americans go to the ER every year, the number of ERs has decreased by 25 percent.

In addition, the respiratory problems caused by the avian flu during a pandemic would be poorly handled by the 65,000 ventilators currently available when 750,000 are estimated to be required.

Isakov emphasized the point that while there is a "lot of planning, resources will not be available without modification."

The length of the pandemic is estimated to last for approximately eight weeks. During this time, Isakov believes that competing interests, infection control and ethical dilemmas will provide challenges for health care officials.

Smith outlined a plan that would be implemented at Tech if a pandemic were to occur (see above). Currently, she recommends promotion of seasonal vaccinations, personal hygiene, staying informed and staying home if ill. Of particular concern to Health Services is the large number of students and faculty that travel nationally and internationally. Travel advisories include avoiding contact with poultry and poultry markets and staying clear of undercooked meat.

In the event of an avian influenza outbreak, Smith recommends students to monitor their health for ten days, travel only for medical care and let Health Services know about their condition as soon as possible.