The City is joining communities through the Bay Area in preparing for the possibility of an outbreak of Avian flu that could result in a pandemic and arrive with little warning.

Influenza pandemics occur at more-or-less cyclical intervals in human history. In 1918-1919, the “Spanish” flu was responsible for 550,000 deaths in the U.S. The “Asian” flu in 1957-58 killed an estimated 70,000 Americans, and in 1968-69, the “Hong Kong” flu resulted in 34,000 U.S. deaths.

The threat this time is from Avian Influenza or “bird flu,” a non-human virus that causes illness in birds. It doesn’t usually infect people, but the latest outbreak has caused human illness and death. Because of the ease and speed of travel available to people in the 21 st century, an influenza pandemic could spread rapidly around the world.

It is feared that a major pandemic in Santa Clara County could see more than half a million people getting sick – with 61,000 to 143,000 requiring hospitalizations. This would overwhelm the healthcare system which would not have enough staff, hospital beds, equipment or supplies. Waves of illness could affect the region for up to two years, significantly disrupting transportation, commerce, utilities, public safety and communication, and seriously impacting the economy. Schools and public facilities could close for extended periods of time.

Every individual and family can help to prevent and/or limit an influenza pandemic by practicing good hygiene. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Wash hands frequently. Circulate fresh air in your home. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of food and water (two weeks), cleaning supplies, gloves, masks, soap and tissues.

If someone does get sick, keep them at home but isolated from the rest of the family. Don’t send sick kids to school or sick adults to work. That will only cause germs to spread.

The City will continue to closely monitor the pandemic situation and provide more detailed information in the future through all of its communication methods – the newspaper, TV, websites, and informational displays in public facilities.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Family Emergency Preparedness
• Home Care Guide
• League of California Cities - Avian Flu Resources
• Santa Clara County Public Health Department
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services