Avian Flu - Information and
Resources
Flu: What's the
difference?
SEASONAL FLU:
We've all had it. It's the flu we catch from our family,
friends and co-workers, usually during the fall. It is a respiratory
infection caused by influenza viruses, spread when infected people
sneeze or cough. Usually people get sick one to three days after they
have been exposed. About 36,000 Americans die every year from the
flu. Most people can prevent or reduce flu
symptoms by getting an annual flu shot, washing their hands before
eating or drinking, and staying away from others who are sick.
BIRD (AVIAN) FLU:
Many “bird flu” viruses occur
naturally in wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds and in
domestic poultry. The bird flu in the news is
caused by the "H5N1" influenza virus and is different because it is
more deadly than some other bird flu viruses. Infected birds can
spread the virus through bodily fluids to other birds. It can also
spread to other animals including pigs, cats and very rarely to
humans. Many people who catch bird flu live or
work closely with infected birds.
PANDEMIC FLU: An
epidemic caused by a new virus, for which people have no immunity,
spreads easily from person to person, and crosses international
boundaries usually affecting a large number of people is called a
“pandemic.” Pandemics can spread rapidly around the world in only a
few months. The current Bird Flu virus does not spread easily between
people now, but it could change (mutate) into a form that spreads
easily from person to person. No vaccines are available now, because
a vaccine cannot be developed until the human pandemic flu virus
exists.
A selection of information for your
guidance on how to prepare for the possibility of an Avian Flu
pandemic.
Links:
Click
Here to Download the Adobe Acrobat PDF file viewer
West Nile Virus - Information and
Resources
West Nile virus is spread by infected
mosquitoes, and can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal
disease. Although September may start feeling like Fall it is still
peak West Nile virus season. Don't let your guard down. Still keep
insect repellent handy, wear long sleeves and long pants and get rid
of mosquito breeding sites in the yard.
Just one mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases.
To prevent illness from WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases,
remember:
To report a
potential mosquito breeding situation,
please call
the Los Angeles County
West Vector & Vector Borne Disease Control District at (310) 915-7370.
Links:
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