Media Advisory #1
THIS IS AN EXERCISE: THIS IS NOT A REAL EVENT.
DATE: July 21, 2006
Contact: Communication Office, 000-000-0000
WHO: Health Department Epidemiologist Patsy Tassler
WHAT: Operation Pandemic Flu – Update on H5N1 Cases in California and Toronto, Canada
WHEN: Friday, July 21, 2006, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Media Briefing at 3 p.m. EST). We are asking the media to make appointments during this time to interview our spokesperson.
WHERE: Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington.
CONTACTS: VDH Communication Office: 000-000-0000
CDC Public Affairs Office: 000-000-0000
BACKGROUND:
Several cases of H5N1 infection in humans have been identified in California and Toronto, Canada. The Centers for Disease Control will be holding a media briefing regarding these cases, the heightened transmissibility of the virus, and Vermont’s preparations for the possibility of a pandemic today at 2:00 p.m., EST.
The Health Department Emergency Operations Center has been activated to monitor this situation, and to respond if cases develop in Vermont. The Department is also developing a plan for the distribution of anti-viral medications for targeted groups.
There are no H5N1 infections in birds or humans in Vermont at this time, and Vermonters can find information on how to protect themselves from illness at http://healthvermont.gov/emerg/opf/