Unlike the seasonal flu, a pandemic flu virus poses a unique threat. Since humans have no previously developed immunity against pandemic flu, this new virus strain puts most people at high risk of infection. The result could be that a large percentage of the world's population becomes infected in a very short period of time.

Local health departments like the WCHD and its Emergency Preparedness Division are responsible for community wide planning for an outbreak of an influenza pandemic. The Will County Health Department has developed a pandemic influenza plan for the county and conducts training meetings and exercises with other agencies to build response capabilities. The department also conducts routine disease surveillance activities which can assist in forecasting and monitoring outbreaks of disease. If an outbreak of pandemic influenza should occur, the WCHD will work closely with other Will County emergency agencies, regional partners and the State of Illinois to manage and distribute antiviral supplies and vaccines, along with carrying out other public health, medical and emergency services.

Communicating During an Emergency:I

In an emergency, information will be provided on Twitter at (www.twitter.com/Willcohealth) and the Health Department’s website (www.willcountyhealth.org) as well as local media outlets.  

Other useful information is available for download below.

Useful Links:

Will County Emergency Management Agency

Illinois Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control

Illinois Pandemic Flu