Avian Flu / Pandemic Flu

As you know, Avian Influenza or "bird flu" is a hot topic in the media these days.  Most of the laboratory confirmed cases in humans have resulted from direct contact with infected birds with only a few cases occurring from human-to-human transmission.  The "bird flu' virus (or H5N1) is a new strain of Influenza A that the majority of people in the world have not been exposed to, and therefore everyone is susceptible.  Pandemic Flu is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza virus (like H5N1) appears in humans, causes serious illness and spreads easily from person to person worldwide.  Public heath authorities have expressed concern that a Pandemic could be sparked by this "bird flu" virus (H5N1) if it mutates in a way that allows for sustainable transmission from person to person.

At Student Health Services, we are monitoring the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control & Prevention websites.  Emergency response plans are being developed and updated at ODU.  We would like our students and members of our campus community to have access to the most accurate and educational information.  We encourage you to visit the following websites to learn more and help answer your questions.  Gaining a better understanding of Avian Flu can only help us prepare if a Pandemic becomes a reality.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov (Questions and Answers)

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/pandemicflu (View the Pandemic Flu Video)

http://www.cdc.gov/travel (Information on Avian Influenza and Travel)