Influenza A(H1N1)

When news broke in late April and early May that an unusual number of influenza like illnesses had emerged in Mexico, the Portland Office of Emergency Management noticed and took immediate steps to implement its pandemic influenza plan.  In the weeks that followed, we worked closely with county and state public health authorities to coordinate local response to the outbreak as it spread to throughout Portland and across Oregon.

Since the epidemic first emerged and became recognized by officials at the United Nations World Health Organization as this century’s first pandemic, emergency managers have worked closely with city bureaus to prepare for the return of influenza A(H1N1) with the seasonal flu this fall.  Those preparations focus on measures to

• Protect city employees,
• Care for vulnerable populations,
• Assist county public health officials, and
• Maintain city essential services.

Although influenza A(H1N1) has receded from its top position in the news, it certainly has not gone away.  Throughout the summer, infection rates have remained higher than normal, especially among young people attending camps and similar activities.  Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere has entered its flu season, and the new A(H1N1) virus has displaced the usual seasonal strains and burdened public health response systems in several countries.

Based on the best available information, we expect absenteeism due to infection and dependent care responsibilities could peak somewhere between 20 to 40 percent of the workforce this fall when the flu season returns.  As such, city employees and the general public should take steps now to protect themselves and their families.

Please use the links below to learn more on the topic which interests you.  The whole document is available as a .pdf HERE.