SPECIAL REPORT: What The City of Salem is Doing to Prepare For Pandemic Avian Flu

Scene from the movie "Fatal Contact" Photo: AP

(SALEM) - On Tuesday, ABC television aired a movie centered on pandemic (global) avian flu.

Salem city officials say it is important to understand that this movie is a work of fiction based around what is purported to be a `worst-case" scenario for a pandemic flu outbreak.

Historically, pandemic flu has struck the U.S. three times in the last 90 years.

Experts predict that another pandemic flu outbreak is probable, but no one knows for sure exactly when, where, or in what form another will occur.

The city is working closely with federal, state, county and private agencies to prepare for the eventuality of flu pandemic.

The city`s emergency plan will include close coordination with the Marion and Polk County Health Departments, Salem Memorial Hospital, and other private and public agencies.

The city`s plan will operate under the pandemic planning assumptions defined by the State of Oregon Department of Human Services, Health Division.

The city`s emergency plan, expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2006 will address:

(1) Prioritizing essential city services

(2) Maintaining adequate staffing levels

(3) Providing accurate and important information to the public

(4) Ensuring effective emergency medical response, law enforcement, and delivery of other city services

(5) Ensuring the resources of all public and private agencies are coordinated for maximum effectiveness.

The city`s plan will operate under the assumption set out by the federal government that, in a pandemic, first response and medical treatment will be a local responsibility.

Those without Internet access that would like more information on pandemic flu can call:

For public health, medical related questions and/or general information contact:

Marion County Health Dept. (503) 584-4870

Polk County Health Dept. (503) 623-8175

For information about City of Salem pandemic flu plans call (503) 588-6238

Frequently Asked Questions About the ABC Movie

Those that watched the ABC movie on May 9th, `Fatal Contact: Bird flu in America" may have unanswered questions about issues brought forth in the film.

The site below lists and answers frequently asked questions about the ABC Movie.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/news/birdfluinamerica.html#QA

Frequently Asked Questions About Pandemic Influenza

If you have more questions about pandemic influenza in general the site below will answer frequently asked questions about pandemic influenza or the Pandemic influenza fact sheet.

http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/panflu/panflufaqs.shtml

Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet

http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/panflu/panflufactsheet.shtml

Pandemic Influenza Planning Guide for Families

The State of Oregon`s recommendations on what pandemic planning each family should do can be found at:

http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/panflu/docs/planningguide.pdf

Pandemic Influenza Information

For more information on pandemic influenza the following three sites will be helpful:

http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/panflu/index.shtml

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/