There is a strain of avian flu currently circling the globe that is causing concerns about a potential health crisis. The Town of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the nation and the world are making preparations to deal with the monumental problems that could arise if this virus were to mutate into a form that was capable of human-to-human transmission.

Avian (Bird) Flu is a disease of wild, domestic or farm birds. There are many types of avian flu; most do not cause illness in people. However a newer type, H5N1, is a serious concern among medical professionals. This type can infect birds, other animals and people.

Pandemic Flu is a large-scale outbreak of a new flu virus; spreading easily from person to person, causing serious illness, even death. What should you do as individual?

• Make plans regarding the safekeeping of your family during what may be prolonged periods without days off.
• Make advance arrangements for childcare or relocation of your family.
• Stockpile some essential goods in your home. This is a precaution that makes sense even without a threat of a pandemic. Ensure you maintain a supply of water, canned goods, hand sanitizer, and other essentials that could become difficult to obtain during a long-term widespread emergency.
• Avoid non-essential travel and large crowds of people when possible.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Stay informed about the influenza.

Pennsylvania Pandemic Flu Web Site
www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us

Columbia County Emergency Management
www.columbiacountyema.org

Columbia County Red Cross
www.redcross.org

Pennsylvania Emergency Management
www.pema.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Department of Health
www.health.state.pa.us

U.S. Health & Human Services
www.pandemicflu.gov

Center for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov