Birds migrating from nations infected
with avian flu are expected to reach
the continental United States shortly.
Although there have been 246 human
cases of avian flu reported since 2003,
including 144 fatalities,* most cases
have resulted from people having
direct or close contact with infected
poultry or contaminated surfaces.
The United States maintains trade
restrictions on the importation of
poultry and poultry products from
countries where the avian influenza
strain has been detected in commercial
or traditionally raised poultry.
The good news is that human
transmission has been “limited,
inefficient and unsustained,” according
to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. These cases involved
spread of the virus within a family.
No spread outside the exposed family
was documented or suspected.
Health care professionals across the
country are developing plans for any
possible pandemic. We’ve prepared,
too. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Florida has expanded its business
continuity plan, including plans of
action covering a range of scenarios,
so we can continue to serve our
members in the event an avian flu
outbreak occurs.
The situation can change at any time
upon short notice. Public information
about avian flu and checklists to help
individuals and families prepare are
available from the Department of
Health and Human Services, which
has set up a website dedicated to a
possible flu pandemic.
www.pandemicflu.gov
* Source: World Health Organization, as of Sept. 14, 2006
