A Pandemic is defined as a world wide outbreak of a potentially deadly disease.  Most talk today deals with influenza. Flu viruses are dangerous because they can mutate into different strains quickly. The two types currently in the news are Swine Flu Type A (H1N1) and the Avian Flu (H5N1). Pandemics and also can be caused by other diseases such a measles, cholera, etc. Pandemics in the past have killed millions of people world wide in relatively short time frames.

While Pandemics are deadly and can have far-reaching impacts on people and economies, there is much that can be done to protect ourselves. There is a reality of potentially fast spreading of diseases today because we live in a very mobile society. Special preparation is needed to deal with a pandemic. Big Canoe has its own Pandemic Preparedness Committee. Below are special links that address pandemic preparedness.

•  PPC - Big Canoe Pandemic Preparedness Committee - Requires POA Website Login.
  • Latest Update on H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
• Pandemic Flu.gov - The U.S. Government's website on influenza
• CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention - The CDC is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services.
• WHO - World Health Organization - The directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.

 County, State, and Federal emergency management organizations also deal with pandemic preparedness and are listed under Emergency Information and Affiliated Emergency Organizations.

The Best thing that any of us can do is be prepared with a family emergency plan, a survival kit, and a well determined supply of food, water and other needed supplies. Keep in mind when planning, that a pandemic can potentially reach a stage that can quickly overwhelm and disrupt emergency, civil, medical, and other normal services and businesses.