Wyoming Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Preparation  

Pandemic influenza (flu) is a global outbreak of influenza disease from a new influenza virus that is unlike past viruses. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza. Seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that already circulate among people. Pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes or by subtypes that have never circulated among people. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, and economic loss.

Wyoming Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Plan

The purpose of this plan is to provide a guide for the Wyoming Department of Health’s response to an influenza pandemic.  The plan describes the state’s basic strategies of disease surveillance, laboratory testing, vaccine and antiviral medication delivery, isolation, quarantine, other disease control activities, and emergency management activities.  This plan is a working document that will continue to be updated based on new information and actual events.  

• Wyoming Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Plan (8/2008) 

Plan sections with significant changes from the previous version include:

• VII. Influenza Disease Control and Prevention
• XI. Healthcare Surge Capacity
• XII. Communications
• Appendix E1. Public Health Ordered Isolation Letter to Suspected and Confirmed Novel Influenza Cases
• 
  < strong>Appendix E2. Voluntary Isolation Letter for Novel Influenza Cases
• Appendix F. Quarantine Instructions for Contacts of Novel Influenza Cases
• Appendix I. HHS Vacine Priority Group Recommendations
• Appendix K. Antiviral Drug Priority Group Recommendations
• Appendix L. Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities Management
• Appendix M. Individual and Family Preparedness
• Appendix S. Pandemic Severity Index (New) 
  

Wyoming Education and Information

• Frequently Asked Questions About Pandemic Influenza and Wyoming
• Wyoming Pandemic Flu Brochure (What You Should Know/What You Can Do) 
• Estimating the potential impact of the next influenza pandemic upon Wyoming

National Resources and Links

Visit PandemicFlu.gov for one-stop access to related U.S. government avian and pandemic flu information

Individual and Family Preparedness

• Individual and family preparedness checklist
• Family emergency health sheet
• Emergency contacts form

Business Preparedness

• Business preparedness checklist
• OSHA Business Preparedness Guidelines: Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic

Healthcare Guidance

• Updated CDC/HHS Guidance on the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Healthcare Settings During an Influenza Pandemic

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Page updated:  August 5, 2008