As of fall 2006, a number of countries in Asia,
Europe, and Africa have reported outbreaks of
avian influenza in their poultry and wild bird
populations. Cases of avian flu, also called bird
flu, have been confirmed in people in several
countries. No cases in either
birds or humans have been confirmed in the U.S.
Western Washington University is developing comprehensive
plans for responding in the event of a large-scale
influenza or other epidemic or pandemic. Work
on these plans focuses on protecting the health
and safety of our students, faculty, staff and
visitors should a wide-spread illness occur.
While there is no pandemic or widespread epidemic
at present, ordinary varieties of influenza, also
known as seasonal flu, affect millions of people
world-wide each year. Other types of infectious
illness increase their frequency during the winter.
There are measures we all can take to reduce the
spread of illness.
The links below provide current, reliable information
on avian (bird) influenza, pandemic influenza
and seasonal influenza.
Consult this site and links frequently for updates
on avian and pandemic influenza, travel advisories
and other information.
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