NEW YORK—The World Health Organization has warned that there will likely be a widespread and deadly outbreak of the flu in the next few years—such outbreaks killed 1 million people in 1957 and 50 million in 1918. On Monday, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden unveiled a strategic plan in case such a flu pandemic hit New York.
"As the nation's most densely populated city and as a major port of entry, New York City may encounter emerging public health threats before any other city," said Mayor Bloomberg. "As a leader in public health emergency preparedness, we have to be ready for the possibility—no matter how remote—of a pandemic flu. Having a comprehensive plan in place will ensure that we respond rapidly to an influenza pandemic."
The plan covers disease monitoring, laboratory capacity, vaccine and medicine delivery, hospital preparedness, mental health, and communications.
While a pandemic flu virus does not currently exist, a new strain of bird flu has been spreading in bird populations in Asia for several years, and has been spotted recently as far west as Spain. If the virus mutated and become easily transmittable from humans to other humans it could conceivably spark a flu pandemic.
"A severe pandemic would inevitably cause significant illness and social and economic dislocation, even with the best laid and most effectively implemented plans. Our plan will help minimize the impact if there is a pandemic," said Commissioner Frieden. "Without a vaccine, and with medications of limited supply and effectiveness, traditional measures of reducing disease spread—such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, or staying home from work or school if you have fever—would be crucial."
Over the past several years, the New York City's Department of Health has worked closely with the emergency services, health care, business and not-for-profit sectors to prepare for a possible flu pandemic. The city says it has participated in more than 50 tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises and drills over the past five years to test, assess and strengthen response capabilities.
A two-day drill held in June 2005, tested the city's ability to cope with a major biological attack and provide medication to individuals affected.
Health and Hospitals Corporation President Alan Aviles said, "A pandemic would certainly tax our system, but we stand ready with significant emergency resources, personnel and expertise to help meet the needs of our patients and the public."
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