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Pandemic Influenza Plan - Questar III

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Section 8: Travel-Related Disease Control and Community Prevention<br />

I. Overview<br />

The initial response to a novel strain of influenza will aim at containing the virus at its<br />

source. Thorough case isolation and quarantine of contacts in the area where the novel<br />

strain emerges may slow the spread of a pandemic. Travel restrictions to and from areas<br />

of viral transmission may help slow viral spread to other parts of the world. When the<br />

virus moves beyond its initial range and is introduced into the United States, early efforts<br />

will likely include isolation and quarantine of newly arrived cases and their contacts. But<br />

as transmission becomes more widespread in the United States, quarantine becomes less<br />

effective and may not be used as a primary public health intervention. Slowing initial<br />

viral spread will allow greater time to manufacture and distribute influenza antiviral<br />

medications and to develop, manufacture, distribute, and administer influenza vaccine.<br />

Epidemiologic investigation of early influenza cases may reveal features of the novel<br />

strain that will be relevant to what efforts have the greatest potential in slowing viral<br />

spread.<br />

The goal of Travel-Related Disease Control and Community Prevention is to slow the<br />

initial spread of pandemic influenza and to describe steps that individuals can take (to<br />

reduce their risk of becoming infected and their risk of spreading infection to others) and<br />

steps that the community as a whole can take.<br />

II. Objectives<br />

The objectives of the Travel-Related Disease Control and Community Prevention Section<br />

address:<br />

• Travel-related considerations and strategies that include distribution of travel<br />

health alert notices and restriction or cancellation of non-essential travel.<br />

• Isolation of cases and quarantine of contacts, including times when they may be<br />

warranted.<br />

• Community containment measures to prevent or decrease transmission.<br />

• Local community resources needed to support persons caring for themselves and<br />

family members at home or in special isolation and quarantine facilities.<br />

<strong>III</strong>. Components of Travel-Related Disease Control and Community Prevention<br />

A. Travel-Related Disease Control<br />

The overall travel-related strategy aims at protecting travelers and decreasing entry of<br />

pandemic influenza into New York State. International health and travel<br />

organizations will be expected to implement exit screening for ill persons and to<br />

identify persons with influenza-like illness during transit and implementing protocols<br />

to limit potential transmission to other passengers.<br />

February 7, 2006 8-2

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