Montgomery County, PA

• Pandemic Influenza is a global outbreak caused by a new flu virus. The new flu virus will be different from the seasonal flu that affects people every year. During an influenza pandemic, the virus may spread easily from person to person. It may cause serious illness and affect many people around the world in a short period of time. There is no pandemic influenza in the world at this time.
• West Nile Virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes that can infect humans, birds, horses and other animals. In most cases, WNV causes flu-like illness or may cause no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, particularly among the elderly, it can cause serious encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). There were 3000 reported cases of West Nile disease in the US during 2005, including 119 deaths. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Not all diseases are spread naturally. A bioterrorism attack is the planned use of a virus, toxin, or bacteria against people, animals or plants to cause fear or harm. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick. Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from other people. 

Plans for Mass Dispensing of Medications and Vaccines

Many infectious diseases can be treated and controlled with medications and vaccines. In the event of a biological or disease outbreak, Montgomery County is planning to distribute medicine or a vaccine to those who are at risk.  This course of action will be decided based on the specific situation.  If needed, the Montgomery County Health Department will be ready to provide medicine or a vaccine to the entire County population within 48 hours.  To distribute treatment or vaccine, the County may open Points of Dispensing (PODs).  If PODs are activated, you may locate the one closest to you by listening to the news media or accessing this site (http://ReadyMontco.Montcopa.org).