Item 26 - Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

Home Browse Search

Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2022 Epidemic/Pandemic/Vector-Borne Disease Hazards - 92 - Epidemic/Pandemic/Vector-Borne Disease Hazards Hazard Definition According to the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018), the California Department of Public Health has identified epidemics, pandemics, and vector-borne diseases as specific hazards that would have a significant impact throughout the State. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an epidemic refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population area. A pandemic refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people. Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors – living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Seasonal Influenza Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a disease that attacks the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans. Seasonal influenza occurs every year. In the U.S., the influenza season typically occurs from October through May, peaking in January or February with yearly epidemics of varying severity. Although mild cases may be similar to a viral “cold,” influenza is typically much more severe. Influenza usually comes on suddenly; may include fever, headache, tiredness (which may be extreme), dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches; and can result in complications such as pneumonia. Persons aged 65 and older, those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and young children are at the highest risk for serious complications, including death. Pandemic Influenza A pandemic influenza occurs when a new influenza virus, for which there is little or no human immunity, emerges and spreads on a worldwide scale, infecting a large proportion of the human population. The most notable pandemic influenza outbreaks have been the 1918 Spanish Flu that was responsible for 20 million to 40 million deaths throughout the world. Also, H1N1 in 2009, popularly referred to as the Swine Flu, resulted in many hospitalizations and deaths. Pandemic H1N1 influenza was spread in the same way as seasonal influenza, from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. In April 2009, two kids living more than 100 miles apart in Southern California came down with the flu. By mid-April, their illnesses had been diagnosed as being caused by a new strain of H1N1 influenza. Persons infected with H1N1