Flu Pandemic Planning
During the 20th century, the emergence of several new influenza A virus subtypes caused three pandemics, all of which spread around the world within a year of being detected.
1918-19, "Spanish flu," [A (H1N1)], caused the highest number of known influenza deaths. (However, the actual influenza virus subtype was not detected in the 1918-19 pandemic). More than 500,000 people died in the United States , and up to 50 million people may have died worldwide. Many people died within the first few days after infection, and others died of secondary complications. Nearly half of those who died were young, healthy adults. Influenza A (H1N1) viruses still circulate today after being introduced again into the human population in 1977.
1957-58, "Asian flu," [A (H2N2)], caused about 70,000 deaths in the United States . First identified in China in late February 1957, the Asian flu spread to the United States by June 1957.
1968-69, " Hong Kong flu," [A (H3N2)], caused about 34,000 deaths in the United States. This virus was first detected in Hong Kong in early 1968 and spread to the United States later that year. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses still circulate today.
Planning efforts and exercises that have taken place over the past several years have taken us a long way to prepare for an influenza pandemic. Issues such as surveillance, risk communication and mass vaccination, have already been addressed in planning for a pandemic flu. To continue to heighten New Jersey’s preparedness level, the Emergency Health Powers act was signed on September 14, 2005 which addresses additional issues such as isolation, quarantine, liability and coordination of response at the state/ local level.
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