The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed positive cases of the swine flu in the Commonwealth. We continue to closely monitor the Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection (swine flu) outbreak to keep Virginians informed of this rapidly evolving public health issue. Click here for more information.
Our mission is to effectively respond to any emergency impacting public health through preparation, collaboration, education and rapid intervention. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs involve state, regional and local emergency response partners working together to enhance readiness to respond to bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Funding to support these efforts is provided through grants from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Health Resources Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths, and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the Commonwealth. more>> |
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