Avian and Pandemic Flu Awareness and Preparedness

At present, there is worldwide concern that the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus may be evolving in the direction of becoming a pandemic flu virus. If a pandemic virus similar to the deadly 1918 virus does develop, the consequences to our society could be significant. Because a pandemic is at least a possibility, NEHA urges its members and the environmental health profession to take this issue seriously. NEHA also urges its members to avail themselves of whatever training and resources are available in the general area of pandemic flu and emergency response. A well-prepared workforce will help to minimize the impact of a pandemic flu—or any emergency situation.

NEHA Adopts Position on Avian and Pandemic Flu
If a pandemic flu erupts, a considerable part of the overall effort that will be undertaken in communities around the world is going to be centered on getting the public to adopt basic public health practices. It is NEHA’s position that the environmental health profession will have a role to play in promoting these practices.  It is also NEHA's belief that the profession may have to embrace responsibilities outside of traditional environmental health work. To read more of NEHA’s position and recommendations, click here.

NEHA Offers Avian and Pandemic Flu Online Courses

Are you interested in learning more about avian and pandemic flu? NEHA is now offering Avian and Pandemic Flu: Awareness for the Public Health Professional and Avian and Pandemic Flu Preventive Measures:  Maintaining Operational Continuity, two online courses written by NEHA for not only environmental and public health professionals, but also the general public and other professionals. Continuing education contact hours are available. For more information, click here.

Get the Latest on Avian and Pandemic Flu
To keep our members up-to-date on the evolving avian and pandemic flu situation, NEHA is compiling a growing list of Web resources that include breaking stories, current research, and guidelines for professionals in environmental and public health. In addition, we are also sharing the tape of a recent interview of NEHA's Executive Director, Nelson Fabian, that was conducted on avian flu by the Denver ABC News affiliate.

Avian and Pandemic Flu Article Published in NEHA's Journal of Environmental Health

"H5N1:  A Special Report–What Is the Threat and Why Should the Environmental Health Profession Be Concerned?"  Recently published in NEHA's January/February Journal of Environmental Health, view an excerpt or purchase the full article.

---

State-by-State Avian and Pandemic Flu Information
The response to a serious pandemic will largely be a local event. Thus, state and local governments must do much of the planning for a pandemic. To access information on state pandemic planning, summit materials, and formal agreements, click here.

---