Hazards: Take Control INFLUENZA By NEMO Saint Lucia With additional material from Dr. Auria Cenac

DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction FIRES HURRICANES VOLCANOES FLOODS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE DEVELOP POLICIES FOR ACTIONS HAVING HIGH BENEFIT/COST FOR THE CARIBBEAN REGION GOAL: REDUCE DISASTER RISK LANDSLIDES EARTHQUAKES MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Pandemic Influenza Pandemic influenza results in a global outbreak of the flu that can occur at any time of the year. Scientists do not know when the next pandemic may occur. Seasonal flu, pandemic flu, swine flu and avian flu are not the same. Seasonal Influenza Seasonal influenza or “the flu” is a respiratory illness spread from human to human. It tends to occurs with the start of the school year. Hazard Defined

Seasonal flu, pandemic flu, swine flu and avian flu are not the same. H5N1(Bird Flu) Avian influenza is a disease that is common among birds, and rarely causes human illness. H5N1 is the current strain of concern worldwide. THERE ARE NO CASES OF THIS ILLNESS IN SAINT LUCIA. Hazard Defined H1N1 (Swine Flu) H1N1 influenza is a disease that started in pigs, and became a human illness. H1N1 is also a current strain of concern worldwide THERE WAS 1 DEATH FROM THE H1N1 VIRUS IN SAINT LUCIA.

1918 H1N1 virus killed 20 to 40 million people worldwide 1957 H2N2 and 1968 H3N2 viruses each responsible for more than 1 million deaths In 2005, all eyes are focused on H5N1 — bird flu In 2009, all eyes turned to H1N1 Hazard Defined

Clinical Signs Acute respiratory disease  Fever  Anorexia  Coughing  Sneezing  Nasal discharge  Labored breathing  Eye inflammation  abortion Hazard Defined

Is caused by Type A virus This virus is common in swine populations through out the world Causes mild respiratory symptoms Hazard Defined

The Cycle

TRANSMISSION Aerosolized respiratory secretions and formites which are contaminated Incubation 1-3 days Excrete virus within 24 hours of infection and may shed up to 7-10 days Carrier state can exist for 3 months Pigs cells has receptors that can bind to Swine, Human and Avian Influenza Virus there for two or more viruses can co-infect swine cells and combine to produce a novel virus Hazard Defined

Declared globally by the World Health Organization Declared nationally by the Ministry of Health Inter pandemicPandemic AlertPandemic Phase IPhase 2Phase 3Phase 4Phase 5Phase 6 Phases of a Pandemic World Health Organization Mitigation and PreparednessResponse Hazard Defined

CASES20 RATE1.6 X 1000 CASES7 RATE0.7 X 1000 CASES3 RATE0.21 X 1000 CASES2 RATE0.11 X 1000 CASES3 RATE 0.12 X 1000 CASES2 RATE 0.13 X 1000 CASES10 RATE 1.16 X 1000 CASES19 RATE 0.27 X 1000

THE KEY IS: 1) KNOW THE DISASTER HISTORY OF YOUR REGION 2) KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY Preparing for Influenza

Discuss the hazard with your family. Prepare your workplace. Prepare a disaster plan. Don’t forget your pets! [yep they can get the flu too] Preparing for Influenza

Groceries Sanitation items Papers: Passport, ID, Insurance, Mortgage, Wills Medicines and First Aid Supplies Baby Supplies Animal Supplies Preparing for Influenza If you are quarantined you will not be able to go out to buy these items

Treatment As for all Viral diseases the treatment is supportive Broad spectrum antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia Good nutrition and husbandry practices. Preparing for Influenza

PREVENTION AND CONTROL Prevention of invasion of AI Virus  Bio-security  Improve quality of quarantine and port surveillance  Surveillance Prevention of spreads of Influenza Virus by quick disposal after detection of an outbreak  Control of movement of animals and products  Destruction of infected and at-risk animals  Stamping out  Easily killed by disinfectants in common use in Vet Med. (proper hygiene practices) Preparing for Influenza

I want to urge you to act now in getting the insured household percentage up from 35%. I want to challenge you to strive at a 60% figure for this year, no matter how painful the financial cost Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Prime Minister of Saint Lucia January 16, 2005

The four components of an early warning system: 1.Monitor the hazard; 2.Quantify the hazard; 3.A disaster plan to address the hazard; [National Influenza Plan] 4.Effective communications for warning. Early Warning Systems

Communications Early Warning Systems

include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. Effects of Influenza Symptoms

1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus. Effects of Influenza How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

Effects of Influenza

Responding to Influenza

Can I get infected with 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork? No -- H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Responding to Influenza

ALL CLEAR “All Clear” announcements are not given for influenza out breaks. Pandemic Influenza works in waves. During the lull take the time to prepare for the next wave. REMEMBER: The regular/seasonal flu is always with us.

Family Disaster Plan Family Evacuation Plan Family Disaster Supplies List pliesCalendar.pdf Online Resources National Influenza Plan