Bird Flu Pandemic Potential Major Problems
As the bird flu continues to spread to other countries around
the world, more officials are starting to take notice and plan
for a potential pandemic. Even though state and local
governments have pandemic contingency plans in place and some
have started practice drills, a number of problems are already
cropping up.
Monitoring new cases of bird flu in 3rd world countries. Many
don't have the staff or money for properly identifying new cases
and containing them. Educating local people about bird flu
difficult. Poor healthcare systems. They are not able to care
for people already suffering from poverty, disease and HIV. A
pandemic would be catastrophic in these countries.
Anti-virals. A new antiviral cannot be made until the virus that
passes from person to person is identified. Production and
distribution would take 6 months or more from the start of the
pandemic. Current antiviral Tamiflu could be ineffective against
any new strain of influenza virus.
First responders and healthcare workers would be overwhelmed.
May not have enough protection from influenza virus if a new
vaccine is not developed.
Hospitals would be overwhelmed. No isolation space for influenza
patients, just in time inventory of masks, syringes, IV bags,
staff shortages, hospital beds filled to capacity now.
Funeral homes would be overwhelmed. Not enough caskets in stock.
Not enough staff for handling bodies and burial. No capacity for
large number of fatalities. People dying at home would need to
be picked up by workers in biohazard suits.
Local officials saying people should have enough food on hand
for a "few days" when a pandemic could keep people housebound
for weeks or months at a time.
Communication between local, state and federal officials.
Deciding the timing on crucial decisions as to closing of
schools, limiting travel, eliminating public events and
quarantines. Deciding how and when public vaccinations would
take place.
A bird flu pandemic could develop faster then expected catching
those unprepared off guard. It is vital that local, state and
federal governments along with the business community continue
to plan for what could be a catastrophic event if not contained.