Avian Influenza Update

For 2006 year to date (October 16th), there have been 109 cases of Avian Flu with 73 related deaths reported worldwide as compared to the 84 cases and 54 deaths reported approximately four months ago.

Although this represents an increase in the number of confirmed cases, the rate of increase has significantly slowed. The vast majority of cases and related deaths have occurred in China and Southeast Asia. The cumulative number of human cases by country that have been reported to the World Health Organization can be found at http://www.who.int/countries/en/. To date all reported cases involve persons who have come in close contact with poultry and are not the result of human transmission.

The following websites provide useful information with respect to tracking the virus as well as how to respond to the potential disruption to the operations of any organization. www.pandemicflu.gov is the official website for the U.S. government. www.cdc.gov/business is the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Business Pandemic Influenza Checklist that will serve to initiate your discussion and planning for this potential event can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov.

See also: HRH's Avian Flu Initiative