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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 27, 2005 Bird flu response planned locally By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune If a bird flu pandemic strikes Jackson County, don’t shake anybody’s hand. That’s one of many unusual steps local health officials will mandate in the event a general state of emergency is declared that would force the closure of schools and require posting guards at local hospitals. "Hopefully, that won’t happen," said county Commissioner Dave Gilmour, adding that he is generally encouraged by local plans to deal with a pandemic. Medical experts fear that the avian flu that has killed millions of birds in Asia could someday mutate into a virus that could pass easily among humans. "Now’s not the time to panic," said Gilmour. "Now’s the time to plan." Advertisement Jim Shames, medical director for the Jackson County Health Department, said the threat from the bird flu is real, likening it to the pandemic of 1918 that killed an estimated 750,000 Americans and 50 million people worldwide. "It’s hard to imagine," he said, referring to literature about the 1918 pandemic. "It’s like reading about the black death." Only about 110 to 120 humans have actually come down with the disease so far, which they likely got from chickens. So far, the mortality rate is 55 percent. Unlike other viruses that make the rounds every year, Shames said of the avian flu, "No human on earth has ever seen this." Health officials plan to test their preparedness during a mock emergency that will be held sometime next week. If the flu turns into a pandemic, hospitals would be required to erect triage centers outside the building to screen people from entering so they don’t spread the disease. Hospitals will begin restricting antibiotics because supplies might temporarily be restricted. People on buses will be asked to stay some distance away from each other to avoid spreading the virus. Gatherings or any kind of congregating indoors will be banned. Shames said hospitals could quickly find themselves becoming overwhelmed by admissions. "It isn’t that much different than 1918," said Shames, referring to the disease’s potential. "We shouldn’t be caught with our pants down." Jackson Baures, the county’s bioterrorism coordinator, said the U.S. has 12 strategic stockpiles of medical supplies that could help out in an emergency. Each stockpile has 50 tons of supplies, covering 12,000 square feet of storage. County Commissioner Jack Walker said that avoiding shaking anybody’s hand would be tough, particularly for a politician who might shake hundreds of hands a day. "It would be a difficult thing in a political year," said Walker. James said that although some of the steps seem a little odd, he said that given the potential for widespread death, "cautioning people about closing schools and shaking hands doesn’t seem like a radical step." Still, he said the flu might not become a pandemic. "Hopefully, we’re just overreacting," he said. Bird flu safety Some of the steps local health and emergency officials could take if a bird flu pandemic hits Jackson County: All grade schools would close. Day-care housing for unrelated children would cease. Public gatherings would be banned. Businesses should plan for minimal staffing; encourage telecommuting. Staff and visitors to long-term care facilities required to wear masks. Assume hands, doorknobs, sink handles are contaminated, particularly in medical buildings. Wash hands vigorously for 15 seconds. Health officials suggest singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself while washing your hands to keep to the minimum time. Passengers on buses or other mass transportation should sit apart from other passengers. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail Bird flu response planned locally ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Cheap Website Hosting Discount Hotel Reservations Online Pharmacy Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans High End Computers Online Casino News Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Online Casino Fundraisers Advertisement s