Pandemics are a part of human history. There were three pandemics in the last century, in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The most deadly of the three was the
pandemic of 1918, which was caused by H1N1 and killed approximately 50 million people worldwide. A pandemic will occur again although it is not known exactly when, or which strain of a novel virus will cause it.

Currently there is concern about H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian viral strain that first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. The infection has been spreading along the flight paths of migratory birds and it has crossed species to infect humans, tigers, leopards, cats and pigs. However the virus has not been able to be efficiently transmitted human to human at this time.

Planning is underway on the federal, state and local level to address the many issues that must be considered to deal with the possibility of a pandemic flu. Frostburg State University is developing a pandemic flu response plan working closely with the local health department and other universities within the University of Maryland System.

It is important that each individual person/family prepares for the possibility of a pandemic. Click here for a checklist to help in preparation. Multiple resources are available on the web. See below for further info

RESOURCES:

• Official U.S. Government Site for Pandemic Influenza & Avian Flu
• CDC web site on Avian Influenza
• General Information on Preventing Influenza
• Prevention Toolkit for Influenza
• Flu Prevention Measures
• Advice for Travelers