By Staff
Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is preparing for a potential influenza pandemic and outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases.
Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that causes a global outbreak of a serious illness that spreads easily from person to person.
Unlike the ordinary seasonal flu that occurs every winter in Michigan, pandemic flu can occur at any time of year.
Pandemics of influenza have occurred sporadically throughout history three times in the last hundred years, resulting in many deaths.
Experts predict another pandemic will occur, but cannot say exactly when it will happen.
Pandemic flu is more serious than ordinary flu.
It's possible that one quarter of the population may be seriously affected.
Pandemic flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ordinary flu – fever, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat and runny nose.
The symptoms may be more severe because nobody will have any immunity or protection against that particular virus.
A serious pandemic is likely to cause many deaths, disrupt the daily life of many people and cause intense pressure on health and other services.
The essential piece in preparing for any community health emergency is involving community stakeholders.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department will host a Pandemic Influenza Planning Summit for its stakeholders, local businesses, schools, community organizations, agencies and leaders on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The summit will take place at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested.
To register, or for more information, call Director of Emergency Services Jennifer Zordan, (269) 621-3143, ext. 382, or visit www.vbcassdhd.org.