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Northwest Missouri State University is making provisions for an influenza pandemic using guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) (www.who.int) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.hhs.gov).
Due to the recent influenza outbreak among bird populations in some areas of the world, and the rare transmission of this influenza (avian flu) to humans, there is concern about the potential for a widespread health crisis.
Public health officials feel current conditions could lead to a pandemic at some point, and correctly believe that the time to start planning for any emergency is before it happens. That's why Northwest is taking action now.
Northwest officials, led by Dr. Jerry Wilmes, medical director of the Office of University Health Services and vice president for student affairs, have been meeting on a regular basis for several months in order to formulate a flu pandemic plan. The group's areas of focus include policy, finance, maintenance/computer technology, academics and communications.
This working group expects to issue a preliminary draft of a campuswide plan in the near future. The document will set forth a basic organizing structure for further pandemic preparation efforts, including the incorporation of the plan into the University's central emergency planning procedures.
If a flu pandemic occurs, it could potentially affect 20 to 40 percent of the local population, including faculty, staff and students. That's why it is essential that the University develop comprehensive plans to protect the safety and well-being of the Northwest community.
Monitor this Web site for new developments as the planning process continues.