Avian Flu and Pandemic Preparedness at BSU
Scientists and health officials worldwide are monitoring closely the H5N1 virus and its spread in eastern Asia and other countries. This virus causes avian or
"bird flu." While the virus causes illness in birds, H5N1 can also be transmitted from infected birds to mammals, including humans. This virus is particularly
virulent and, in many cases, deadly. So far, however, the virus has not been transmitted readily from one person to another.
As governmental agencies worldwide continue their surveillance of the virus and prepare for the possibility of an avian flu pandemic, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, as part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, are updating and expanding emergency plans. Effective planning now helps ensure that health and safety measures are in place should an avian flu outbreak occur on our campuses. The emergency plan, available shortly, will be posted on this site.
Besides revising the emergency plan, the BSU/NTC pandemic planning committee has been coordinating its efforts with county and state emergency personnel, providing information on ways to maintain healthy lifestyles and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and sharing information with the campus community.
An important part of the BSU/NTC plan is for students, staff, and faculty to learn more about the virus and the avian flu associated with it. Everyone needs to begin planning for the possibility of an avian flu outbreak or worse, a pandemic.
Helpful Tips
Helpful Links
Several excellent websites provide updated information on everything from the H5N1 virus and avian flu cases worldwide to the possibility of a pandemic and how individuals and families should prepare for the possibility.
- Two excellent links for information on H5N1, avian flu, and pandemics are:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general/
http://www.mdhflu.com - BSU's Student Health Services provides avian flu updates as well as information on ways to stay healthy and to treat illnesses.
- A guide for individuals and families to use in planning for the possibility of a pandemic.
- To see what countries have reported avian flu cases.
- Information for hunters on handling wild birds and for homeowners who have bird feeders.
- MnSCU System Pandemic Planning