An influenza pandemic has the potential to cause more death and illness than possibly any other public health threat. A pandemic, or a global epidemic of influenza, can occur when a new strain of virus emerges, either through mutation or genetic re-assortment, to which most or all of the world’s human population has had no previous exposure and thus has no immunity. The emergence and recent spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 in bird populations throughout many parts of the world is of great concern. The potential for the emergence of a new variant strain of this virus, which could be easily transmitted person-to-person, triggered the World Health Organization (WHO) to urgently prompt organizations worldwide to initiate preparedness planning efforts should a pandemic occur.

Although the timing, nature, and severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, a planned and coordinated response is critical to minimizing the public health impact, as well as the social and economic disruption to our everyday lives. The unique characteristics of a pandemic, including the capability to affect many locations at once, the extended length of such an event, and the possibility of multiple waves, will strain local, state, and federal resources. It is unlikely that there will be sufficient personnel, equipment, and supplies to respond adequately to multiple areas of the country for a sustained period of time. The impact of a pandemic could be pervasive and unlike any emergency our society has faced in modern times.

The Modoc County Public Health Department is preparing for a potential pandemic influenza disease in Modoc County.