# 1006
Last week two former United States Surgeon Generals spoke at a meeting of Firestorm Solutions, a consulting firm that (according to their website www.firestorm.com) "focuses on vulnerability analysis, threat assessment and exposure mitigation."
So, fair warning, what follows is a press release.
July 23, 2007 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
U.S. Unprepared For Pandemic, Former Surgeons General Warn
ROSWELL, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Despite waning U.S. public concern, the likelihood of a worldwide avian flu pandemic has not lessened, warned former Surgeons General Dr. C. Everett Koop and Dr. David Satcher.
Speaking during the Firestorm Solutions (www.firestorm.com) meetings last week, Drs. Koop and Satcher classified the threat as “very real.’’
“The pattern makes you believe the likelihood of a pandemic – (probably) avian flu – is very real,’’ Satcher said. “You have to believe it’s around the corner somewhere.’’
A recent Ipsos-Public Affairs poll indicated only 27 percent of U.S. adults are concerned about bird flu in this country, down eight points in a year. Just 17 percent of respondents said they were worried about themselves or someone in their household getting avian flu.
Since 2003, 313 cases of bird flu in humans have been confirmed, and 191 fatalities have been reported in 12 Asian and African countries, according to the World Heath Organization. Each infection increases the chance the virus could mutate into a form easily transmittable from human to human, a precursor to a pandemic.
Present for the launch of Firestorm’s Health Crisis Mitigation Division, Drs. Koop and Satcher expressed concern this country is in disaster denial.
“People don’t want to face the reality of things like pandemic, hurricanes, etc.’’ said Koop, a member of Firestorm’s Expert Council. “The anxiety is tough to face, and as a result, people choose not to accept the burden.’’
Added Satcher: “We’re not adequately prepared for the next pandemic. There are many things we need to do, both at home (personally) and medically.’’
If the H5N1 virus takes hold in the population, Koop warned of the potential need to quarantine people in urban and suburban areas until a vaccine could be developed – expected to take as long as six months.
“We’re fighting today’s pandemic with the same tools we had 100 years ago,’’ Koop said.
Most people will remember the outspoken C. Everett Koop, who was Surgeon General from 1982 to 1989 under President Reagan, and who was an early strong advocate for a smoke-free society. Somewhat less well known, Dr. Satcher served simultaneously in the positions of Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health from February 1998 through January 2001.
That both would come forward to speak on pandemic preparedness is commendable.
The current Surgeon General is of course . . . . Let's not always see the same hands, shall we?
That's right. Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, who has served as Acting Surgeon General since August of 2006.
Under `Surgeon General News' on the HHS website, I find 3 news releases under his name since March of this year. Two on the dangers of underage drinking, and one memorializing the passing of a former medical director for the 1964 Surgeon General's smoking report.
According to their website, the Surgeon General's public health priorities are:
- Overweight and Obesity
- Increasing Physical Activity
- HIV/AIDS
- Tobacco Use
- Preventing Birth Defects
- Preventing Injury
Nothing regarding pandemic influenza.
The Surgeon General's primary job is to `serve as America's chief health educator by providing Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.'
Or so says their webpage.
With the threat of a pandemic on the horizon, the Surgeon General's bully pulpit could be used to great effect in preparing the nation.
A pity it isn't being utilized.
