Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Avian (Bird) Flu?
Avian Flu, officially known as H5N1, is an influenza strain that originated
with wild migratory fowl, from which it received its name. Unlike the
seasonal flu, to which most people have a resistance, H5N1 is a new and
deadly strain that can infect even the young and healthy.
As of October 2006, the World Health Organization reports that the current strain of bird flu has infected 252 people and killed 148 worldwide. The most recent outbreak began occurring in 2003 in Asia and has since spread as far as Europe. There have been no cases reported of any infected birds in the United States or Latin America. The disease spreads from migratory birds to domestic birds along their migration routes. As of October 2006, infections in humans have only occurred from direct contact with infected birds. Presently the H5N1 virus has not mutated and become highly contagious enough to be spread from human to human. However, if or when this mutation occurs, it is predicted to spread quickly and cause unpredictable challenges and damage, posing a serious health threat to the community of Leavenworth.
What is Leavenworth County Doing to Prepare?
Due to the possibility of a pandemic flu striking multiple locations simultaneously,
the Federal Government has shifted the responsibility for planning and
organization to local governments (cities and counties). This means the
Leavenworth County Health Department will be in charge of managing the
crisis with the help of each city in the County - Leavenworth, Lansing,
Tonganoxie, Basehor, Linwood and Easton. The City of Leavenworth is currently
doing everything it can to prepare for a possible pandemic but it will
not be able to administer to the needs of the entire population.
Pandemics normally cause large surges in the numbers of people requiring or seeking medical or hospital treatment, temporarily overwhelming health services. High rates of worker absenteeism can also interrupt other essential services, such as law enforcement, transportation and communications. The Health Department asks for residents’ cooperation in preparing for, and during, such a crisis. It is imperative that every family take responsibility to prepare as best they can to ensure their family’s well-being in the event of a pandemic.
What's New
NEW! The Leavenworth County Health Department is offering a drive-thru, flu shot clinic on Thursday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 1.p.m. at 10th Avenue Park. For further information view our FAQs or call (913) 250-2000 for more information. Find out more & view our consent form online.
Do you have a plan for an emergency situation? Planning can help ensure that you and your family stay safe and have enough supplies in the event of a disaster. More >