Monday, July 28, 2008

Idaho BlogEx : July 28th



# 2183



THIS IS AN EXERCISE. IT IS NOT REAL.


With just two more days to run, Idaho's BlogEx pandemic exercise begins its 3rd week with a new video (courtesy of the CDC), and updated fatality figures.


This exercise is being conducted by the Southeastern District Health Department of Idaho. There are dozens of blog entries, a number of videos, and well over a hundred comments to view.


The blog portion of this exercise will end tomorrow, but local agencies will continue to review their participation in this drill, and an after-action conference is planned for late August.


July 28: First Wave of Pandemic Flu peaking in Southeast Idaho

July 28, 2008


THIS IS AN EXERCISE. IT IS NOT REAL.


The pandemic flu has hit hard in Southeastern Idaho. Attack rates and death rates are close to expected, with an attack rate of 30%, meaning 30% of people get sick, and a death rate of 2%, meaning 2% of people who get sick die. Vaccinations are not available because of the long lead time required to identify the strain and create vaccines from eggs; research and development on faster production of vaccines was not completed in time, although it began in 2006. This year’s annual flu vaccine may provide some help by minimizing the affects of the pandemic flu strain, but it will not provide immunity. Local hospitals are providing drugs to people who are already sick, but these pills are not available to the public as a method to prevent the flu.


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