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Zero In – A Story on Avian Flu (Star Community Papers)

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov 2 -

By: Phuong-Khanh Jessica Nguyen-Trong
Congressional Health Care Fellow in the Office of U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (Texas-26)



Not a newscast airs today that does not talk about the spread of avian flu. Is that attention warranted or has the threat been over-hyped?

Attention devoted to this issue has certainly brought this virus to the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. It is significant to note that avian flu refers to viruses that only infect birds. In this particular instance, the virus is H5N1. As humans become infected, it no longer is characterized as strictly an “avian flu.” However, with the strong possibility that H5N1 could cross species – from birds to humans – decisive action must take place.

Worldwide pandemics are not all together rare occurrences. Less than a century ago, the 1918 flu pandemic claimed 50 million lives. More recently, the world rallied against the 1957 Asian and 1968 Hong Kong influenza.

So will H5N1 represent a threat comparable to these historical outbreaks? Yes. But it is important to remember that a new pandemic has not yet bloomed and may not be as severe as previous ones. But the threat alone means we must be prepared.

Through technological inventions, humans have broken down geographical barriers. Today, instant communication and travel entwine in our everyday lives. With the increasing appearance of H5N1 in several Asian and European countries, many leaders are considering methods to isolate nations from each other, which at this point in history is no simple task.

Already, the modern world has some perspective on dealing with pervasive infectious diseases such as with SARS, a 2003 respiratory virus epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the end of the SARS outbreak, over 8,000 people were infected with nearly 800 deaths. SARS was a dangerous disease, but not nearly as fatal as avian flu. As of October 10, 2005, over 100 human cases of H5N1 have been reported with over half of these cases resulting in death. Thus, this high mortality rate has led to caution among the scientific community and compounds the challenges of the 2003 SARS outbreak.

In the modern age, information and data are highly prized. Our current research capacity gives us the gifts of time and foresight. A global, united front to face this potential threat is critical to protect the health and safety of humankind.

U.S. Human and Health Services Secretary Michael Leavitt took a bold step in gathering knowledge about avian flu through his trip in Asia. Understanding the conditions of these regions where the outbreak is occurring is essential. Secretary Leavitt’s firsthand account of the situation in Asia is immeasurably more beneficial than what is captured by reading a report. His findings will be shared with Congress in the final version of the Pandemic Influenza Response and Preparedness Plan. This plan will be invaluable to federal, state and local leaders who should analyze the plan and build on it to adequately prepare to handle a pandemic.

How do we begin to combat this potential crisis? The best way to prevent a pandemic is containment. Streamlined relief efforts help squelch an outbreak before it travels further. At the local level, mandatory and self-quarantines need definition, including how to react to the increased need for health care and how to prevent the spread of the virus. This might include a temporary stop in mail delivery or addressing work absenteeism.

Health care workers must define the best way to provide antiviral drugs and vaccines to people. Currently, antiviral drugs need to be administered within two days of an infection – a short but vital timeframe. New drug designs should not be limited by this window. Additionally, a rapid screening test should be developed to classify an infection as H5N1 prior to administering its treatment.

Another necessary aspect of containment is accurate communication to prevent panic. The general public needs to be educated to recognize symptoms of H5N1, including practical steps to minimize the dispersion of the virus. The efficacy of protective equipment should be examined and may need to be in every household. Furthermore, cities need to designate a hospital or large clinic as the primary treatment manager for a pandemic if one is to occur.

Every individual also needs to be responsible and plan ahead. If a person suspects infection, they should know how to protect others while making a straight route to the designated hospital. Personnel at these treatment sites will be better trained and equipped to treat the virus. In addition, diverting patients with weakened immune systems to non-designated hospitals will decrease their exposure to H5N1.

Because a virus must be destroyed to hinder it from growing into a pandemic, containment begins at the local level. Practical and concise preparedness plans need not only be outlined but also implemented. Because in the words of Goethe, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”