Press Release

Hundreds to Attend Business Pandemic Flu Preparedness Symposium

Pontiac, MI, May 24, 2006 -- Oakland County Health Division is holding a Pandemic Flu Business Symposium on Thursday, May 25, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi. 

Participants will obtain the latest information about pandemic flu and will receive guidance about safeguarding your workforce and maintaining operations during a pandemic.  Dr. Eden V. Wells, MPH, a Medical Epidemiologist who works at the Michigan Department of Community Health will be the Keynote Speaker.

"What would you do if 40% of your staff were unable to show up for work?  Does your business have a contingency plan?" Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson asks rhetorically.   "Businesses must begin to think about what they would do in the event of a public health emergency."

If a pandemic were to occur it could have a significant impact on the business climate.  It is estimated that up to 40% of the workforce could be out sick, at home taking care of sick family members, or will be too frightened to venture out into the public.  In addition, voluntary isolation and quarantine measures may be implemented to contain the spread of the disease.  These measures would undoubtedly disrupt community activities which may include the closing of schools and other establishments and/or cancellation of public events.

"Currently a human influenza pandemic does not exist, nor is imminent.  However, it is important for people to be knowledgeable about the risks associated with the threat of an influenza pandemic and to be adequately prepared for the possibility of significant social and economic costs," stated Patterson.

The registration deadline for the Pandemic Flu Business Symposium is May 19, 2006.  To register, call 248-858-1287 or www.oakgov.com/health.

For media inquiries, please contact George Miller, Oakland County Health Division, Manager/Health Officer, 248-858-1410.

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