Pandemic preparation resources

Last spring, all Wisconsin schools were asked to prepare for a possible pandemic flu emergency. Plans are now being refined and updated so that communities will be able to respond in ways that protect students and the general public.

Two new resources are available to help schools, communities, and colleges with the planning.

A new document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is essential. The guide discusses strategies to limit the spread of disease until a vaccine is available. Access the full document at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/mitigation.html, or the most critical piece for schools at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pandemicflu.html.

School staff might also consider watching a new webcast, "Pandemic Flu Preparedness for Wisconsin Schools," which outlines critical planning issues and steps needed for school communities prepare for a flu pandemic. Go to http://media1.wi.gov/dhfs/catalog. Under 2007 Events, select the "Preparedness and Emergency Planning" tab; in the "Find Presentation" window, type in "Pandemic."

Together, the Departments of Public Instruction and Health and Family Services have been helping school communities with pandemic preparation. The departments have held a simulation, known as a table top exercise, with leaders from both agencies, and have reviewed reports from local simulations.

Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. The most recent major pandemics were in 1968–69, 1957–58, and 1918–1919.

More information from DPI: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pandemicflu.html
From DHFS: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/pandemic/index.htm
From the U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/emergencyplan

For more information about SEAchange, contact: Benson Gardner at (608) 266-3374.

Last updated on 5/21/2007