Avian influenza is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.

Pandemic influenza is influenza that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. Currently there is no pandemic influenza.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 2005)

Why are we concerned?

Severe influenza pandemics are a huge threat to public health. A pandemic influenza is caused by a new type of influenza virus. Having not been exposed to this novel virus in the past, the population lacks immunity. The virus moves quickly and easily from person to person causing high rates of disease, and often, death. Currently, there is not a pandemic influenza occurring in the world. We are ensuring our preparedness in anticipation of the possibility of an influenza pandemic.

Why now?

There is currently an avian influenza of interest occurring in birds in Asia and parts of Europe. There are different types of influenzas in birds, just as there are in humans. Avian influenzas are not normally contagious to humans, however, these viruses mutate just as easily as those occurring in people.

Three 20th Century pandemic influenzas originated in birds. Based on those pandemics, we know that up to 30 percent of the population could become ill at the same time. The resulting impact on our society would be severe.

For these reasons, the public health community is closely watching avian influenza, H5N1. This outbreak began in birds in late 2003 in Asia and has infected humans directly from contagious birds. As of January 2006, 151 people have been diagnosed with H5N1 and 82 of these have died. For current numbers and other information, see the World Health Organization web site. So far, this virus is not moving from person to person. Most, if not all, of the people have caught the virus from birds.

What are we doing?

The Benton Franklin Health District is planning for the potential of an outbreak. We are working with our community partners to foresee community needs and are planning for a quick and appropriate reponse.

We are available to give presentations to interested businesses, schools, and community organizations. Please contact Angela Seydel at 509.586.0673, or angelas@bfhd.wa.gov to schedule a presentation.

What can you do?

Be aware, stay informed.
Develop an emergency preparedness kit for yourself and your family. Make sure it includes supplies for at least 3 to 5 days. You may be asked to take "snow days", staying home as much as possible, should a pandemic influenza strike in our area. Have a plan for your family.
Have a plan for your business; a lot of people could be out ill.
Practice good cough etiquette: Cover your cough and sneeze. Wash your hands frequently.
Stay home when you are sick and avoid people who are ill.
Get your influenza shot. While it won't prevent an illness resulting from all Pandemic Influenza viruses, it may keep you from getting the seasonal influenza and running your body down.

Other sources of information:

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Benton Franklin Health District

Kennewick
7102 W Okanogan Pl
Kennewick WA
99336
(509) 460 4200

Pasco
412 W Clark
Pasco WA
99301
(509) 547-9737

Prosser
310 7^th Ave. E.
Prosser WA
99350
(509) 786-1633

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 911
If you are either a medical practitioner, first responder, or public works official and need to report an emergency that immediately endangers public health, please call 509-543-3851. Only medical practitioners, first responders, and public works officials may use this number.

The public can reference BFHD policies available in Kennewick office.
BFHD Privacy Statement
Copies of the annual report available at all BFHD offices.

State and County Resources:

WAC's - RCW's
Community Health Status Indicators
Reportable Conditions

Contact: info(at)bfhd.wa.gov 1-509-460-4357