6/16/09

Lab Responds to Declaration of H1N1 Virus Pandemic by World Health Organization

The H1N1 virus, previously called the swine flu, continues to spread, now affecting 74 countries. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a pandemic. H1N1 has been judged to be of moderate severity. National levels of severe illness from the virus appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, and most people recover from the infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care. As the northern hemisphere flu season winds down, officials will monitor virus characteristics in the southern hemisphere’s flu season. U.S. vaccine manufacturers have prepared prototype vaccines, and hope to have a vaccine available later this year. In the meantime, Berkeley Lab continues to prepare for the impact of widespread flu through its business continuity planning process.

In addition to continuing to practice good health hygiene, employees must contact Health Services (x6266 or e-mail) if they or an immediate family member experience flu-like illness, or return to work after illness or from travel in an affected country. Supervisors who send staff home for flu-like illness must also contact Health Services.