Avian Flu and Pandemic Preparation Information
Paulstra CRC Pandemic Preparedness:
Most experts agree that there is a growing and significant threat of a global pandemic, but that there is no way to predict either exactly when it might occur or the severity of the impact. As with any of the risks that we face as a country -- including natural disasters and the ongoing possibility of another terrorist attack -- it is imperative that all segments of society be prepared for such a threat. Paulstra CRC is therefore encouraging preparedness for an influenza pandemic.
It is important for Paulstra CRC employees to be knowledgeable about the risks associated with the threat of an influenza pandemic and, in turn, to be adequately prepared for the possibility of a pandemic that would have significant social and economic costs.
Avian influenza, or “bird flu” is a contagious disease caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. The current outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which began in Southeast Asia in mid-2003, are the largest and most severe on record. The causative agent, H5N1 virus has proved to be especially tenacious. Despite the death of an estimated 150 million birds, the virus is now considered endemic in many parts of Indonesia and Vietnam and in some parts of Cambodia, China and Thailand.
Since no one will have immunity should an H5N1-like pandemic emerge, the H5N1 virus has severe implications for human health should the virus develop into human form. Should a pandemic influenza outbreak occur, chief executive officers would play a key role in protecting their employees’ health and safety as well as mitigating the impact on the business. At Paulstra CRC we have taken the proactive approach and have established advanced planning to benefit our employees by establishing a check list that will aid all employees in the event a pandemic should occur.
Every employee at Paulstra CRC is responsible for being a steward in protecting our own health. It is imperative that each of us make a conscience decision to educate ourselves so that we can make smart decisions about what actions to take in regard to our health.
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