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Contents:
-General Information
-Transmission of H5N1 Virus, Avian Flu
-Symptoms for Humans
-Vaccines and Treatments for Humans
-What is UMDNJ doing to prepare for an influenza outbreak?
-What is New Jersey doing to prepare for an influenza outbreak?
-US Government's Role
-Additional Resources & Links

There are many strains of avian influenza; the one of primary concern is the influenza A virus referred to as H5N1. This virus is highly contagious in birds and is frequently fatal to them. The H5N1 virus does not usually infect humans but as of May 19, 2006, the World Health Organization has confirmed a total of 217 cases in humans with 123 deaths. For the most current cumulative case numbers, please visit the
World Health Organization (WHO).

At this time, the virus is not believed to be easily transmissible from human to human. However, once humans contract the virus from birds, there is the potential for the virus to mutate and spread through human contact. If this occurs, a human influenza pandemic could occur.

Symptoms are similar to that of seasonal influenza and include cough, fever, muscle aches, and sore throat. Infection can also lead to serious complications including eye infections, pneumonia, other respiratory conditions and death.

There is currently no human vaccine available but progress has been made in its development in hopes that one will be readily available before a pandemic strikes.

There is some indication that theH5N1 virus may be resistant to amantadine and rimantidine, the two antivirals commonly used against influenza. However, at this time, more thorough studies are underway to determine the effectiveness of oseltamavir (Tamiflu ®) and zanamavir (Relenza™).

Former UMDNJ President John J. Petillo established a university-wide task force whose focus is to prepare UMDNJ to respond effectively to an influenza pandemic as well as to seasonal flu outbreaks. Dr. Audrey R. Gotsch, Dean of UMDNJ-School of Public Health, chairs the task force, which is comprised of faculty and senior administrators throughout the UMDNJ system. Working in concert with officials from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the task force will lead the development of plans and specific actions to protect the University's patients, faculty, staff and students in the event of an influenza pandemic or seasonal outbreak. The group will also share knowledge, experience and lessons learned from these efforts with healthcare providers, community organization, and others to help them make similar preparations.

For i nformation on the state of preparedness in New Jersey, pandemic planning information and a copy of the New Jersey Pandemic Influenza Plan, please visit http://www.nj.gov/health/er/avianflu.shtml.

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