Emergency Preparedness and Response The Emergency Preparedness
and Response program focuses on preparing for and responding to
incidents that pose a substantial risk to the health of the
people in Kittitas County. Public Health Emergencies may
include: The Emergency Preparedness and Response Program focuses
on: Pandemic Influenza - Are you prepared? What is pandemic flu?
An outbreak of Influenza that occurs throughout the world is
known as a pandemic. History shows that pandemics occur
approximately every 30-50 years. Pandemics can be widespread,
affecting as much as 25-40% of the population. The influenza
virus that emerged in 2009, known as H1N1 flue, was classified
as a pandemic flu by the World Health Organization. It was
widespread but not severe. If a pandemic is severe there is the
potential for great loss of life. It is not known when the next
pandemic will occur. Now is the time for individuals, families,
and businesses to prepare. Steps you can take to prepare for
pandemic flu More about influenza W