CDC Media Advisory

CDC Meeting Explores Community Strategies to Reduce Impact of Pandemic Influenza

Who:

CDC, public health, and government and community leaders from education, business, faith communities, and civic groups

WHAT:

Will convene to discuss the potential use community measures that could mitigate the impact of an influenza pandemic.

WHEN:

December 11-12, 2006, 8:30AM - 5PM

WHERE:

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport,
1325 Virginia Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30344

The impact of pandemic influenza extends well beyond health and medical communities into many segments of society. Developing a pandemic influenza vaccine could take several months, and community prevention strategies are public health measures that don't involve vaccines or medications (also called non-pharmaceutical interventions) may serve as a first line of defense to help delay or reduce the spread of disease.

For pandemic influenza, examples include social distancing strategies that involve reducing contact with other people including closing schools and cancelling public gatherings; planning for liberal work leave policies and teleworking strategies; voluntary isolation of cases and voluntary quarantine of household contacts.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:

December 11, 2006

Experts will present evidence to support decision-making including:

• New insights from a just-completed historical review of 1918 pandemic mitigation efforts in 30 U.S. cities
• Perspectives from the recent North Carolina seasonal influenza outbreak and school closure
• Public engagement and polling projects to assess public understanding and willingness to cooperate with community strategies
• Remarks by the Departments of Homeland Security, Education, Labor

December 12, 2006

Participants will discuss the potential use and impacts of specific tactics for less severe to more severe pandemic scenarios. The discussion will inform the development of federal guidance to guide the use of community strategies to reduce the impact of pandemic influenza.

NOTE: The meeting is open to media but due to limited space, registration is required. Please contact the press office if you will attend.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES