Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information

Avian (bird) influenza is caused by influenza A virus sub-type H5N1 that is circulating in birds and the possibility of an avian flu pandemic has received a great deal of attention during recent months. It remains very much an avian virus and has only affected persons with close contact with birds and poultry. Thus far there has been either no proven or very limited human-to-human transmission of avian flu. However, many health officials warn that a major outbreak or pandemic could occur if the virus mutates into a form that can spread easily from person to person.

Human infections with H5N1 viruses have occurred in countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Countries that have experienced confirmed outbreaks among poultry and other birds in 2005-2006 include Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.

In view of the possibility of a pandemic with confirmed and/or increased human-to-human transmission, the Student Health Center, the Vanderbilt Medical Center, the Vanderbilt Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Tennessee Department of Health are monitoring the situation closely.

We have also begun pre-planning to develop contingency plans for the potential threat of an avian flu pandemic that could affect our campus. Our plan will be based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. The pandemic influenza plan will focus on contingencies necessary for the continuity of housing, dining services and security for our campus residents.

Rest assured that we are taking proactive measures to be prepared in case the avian flu affects our campus community.

You can lean more about avian influenza and the pandemic threat at the following Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control
  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm
• Department of Health and Human Services
  http://pandemicflu.gov/
• World Health Organization
  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

Student Health Center | Vanderbilt University
Zerfoss Building, MCN | 1161 21st Ave. S. | Nashville, TN 37232
615.322.2427 | (fax) 615.343.0047

Copyright © 2006 by Vanderbilt University. Site maintained by the webmaster. Last edited 7/19/06