Influenza is a serious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A or influenza B virus. A pandemic is an outbreak that occurs worldwide, affecting a large number of people. An influenza pandemic happens when a new type of influenza virus develops to which humans have no immunity. All previous influenza pandemics were caused by influenza A viruses.

There have been three pandemics in the last century with the most severe being the 1918-19 Spanish Flu where 20 to 40 million deaths occurred worldwide. The other pandemics, the Asian flu of 1957 and the Hong Kong flu of 1967-1968 were less serious than the Spanish Flu, but still caused significant illness and deaths.

With the appearance of the avian influenza virus H5N1 in south Asia, the awareness of a pandemic happening has increased. Many experts believe that a pandemic is certain to happen, but do not know when.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health agencies, including Health Canada, have recommended the development of pandemic plans to help reduce the impact of the next pandemic on the world’s population.

The Chatham Kent Health Unit has developed an influenza pandemic plan for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This plan is continually being revised. The plan is designed to meet the needs of the community and reflect information outlined by Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC).

This Web page will highlight developments in Chatham-Kent’s influenza pandemic plan. It will also provide links to provincial and national plans, related topics and Web sites, providing both in-depth and up-to-date information about the ongoing planning for an influenza pandemic.

Visit the links below for more information:

Understanding Pandemic Influenza

Public Health Agency of Canada – Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan

For more information contact Public Health at 352-7270 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca