Southern Exposure: Bird Flu Awareness Reaches Southern U.S. Town

I was pleased to see today's headline N.C. flu plan needs checkup and detailed article on the Bird/Avian Flu in our local paper, "The News & Observer" of Raleigh, North Carolina. The story indicated that the national attention to the growing pandemic threat is now stirring action, inspiring those who can do what's necessary to make preparations. State officials, major hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies are now rapidly getting involved, taking steps in preparation for a possible outbreak. They cite lessons on disaster preparedness from the experience on Hurricane Katrina and a SARS case quarantine in Orange County in 2003.

Also, recently, the Avian Flu was featured on our local TV news channels. It is worthy to note that North Carolina is taking these steps ahead of America's national plan (which is due to be released at the end of the month). Hopefully, this action will influence other states (and countries) to do the same.

– Carolyn G. Wallace, One Intent (Flu Preparedness Team)