Kern County Programs
Preparing for a Pandemic
For the past several years avian influenza (bird flu) has been in the news. Avian flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally among birds. The avian flu currently of concern is the H5N1 subtype. Rapid transmission in birds and virulence of the H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic. The effects if a pandemic can be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time. The intent of this newsletter is to offer guidance in preparing for such an event.