Infectious disease outbreak

Infectious disease outbreaks can cause significant human injury or illness to our community. The threat of pandemic influenza has gained significant momentum in the popular media, but the possibility of other infectious diseases, like Tuberculosis (TB), also exists in Canada.

Influenza pandemics (world-wide outbreak of disease) occur 3 to 4 times each century. A new virus subtype emerges against which the population has little or no resistance, and is readily transmitted from person to person. As the last pandemic occurred in 1968-69, medical professionals predict we are overdue.

The impact

Early in 2003, York Region experienced first hand the impact of a highly-contagious respiratory illness, SARS, which not only affected people's health and lives and put intense pressure on the health care system, but had devastating economic and social impacts in the broader community. In the case of influenza pandemic, during the six to eight week peak wave of illness in any community, we could expect to have up to 20% of a workforce off duty, either due to illness or caring for ill family members. In addition, short-term containment strategies, like school closures or a reduction of public gatherings, will impact on the ability of the community to function.

The facts

·         The great influenza pandemic of 1918-19, known as the Spanish Flu, caused 40 – 50 million deaths worldwide and enormous social and economic disruption.

·         Experts predict that 15 – 35% of an entire population would become ill in a pandemic and that up to half of the sick may require outpatient medical care (e.g. antiviral medications) to lessen the severity of symptoms.

·         Once any individual recovers from influenza, they are considered to be immune to that particular virus.

·         Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and a cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle ache, fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Children may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

·         Vaccines are the only true protection against a particular strain of virus but preparing a vaccine ahead of time is not possible as the vaccine must match the actual strains of the pandemic and must therefore await its emergence. As it could take four to five months to produce an effective vaccine, it is not anticipated that it will be available to protect the population against the first wave of illness but will hopefully be available before a second wave hits the community, three to nine months later.

·         Pandemic planning is ongoing at the federal, provincial and local level with the goal to reduce the number of people infected, the number of deaths, and, potentially, the socio-economic disruption.

Protecting yourself

Prevention is the best defence against influenza. All York Region residents should protect themselves and others by:

·         Getting a flu shot.

·         Washing your hands frequently.

·         Staying home if you are sick.

·         Following recommendations issued by the Health Services Department and local authorities.

Click here for information on the A/H1N1 flu virus.