State opens online pandemic resource

Islanders who want to know more about avian flu and how to prepare for a possible global pandemic can find comprehensive information on a new state Department of Health Web page.

The agency's Web site, www.hawaii.gov/health, pulls together resources from many agencies at local, state and federal levels and organizes them for individuals and interests such as businesses, governments and agriculture.

Dr. Chiyome Fukino, DOH director, said, "Although there is no pandemic, and avian flu has not developed in the United States, it is important for everyone to know how to prepare their families, friends, co-workers and neighbors and what to do in case of a pandemic."

The Health Department has been trying to educate the public about a pandemic and the difference between avian flu and seasonal flu, and to provide decision-makers with tools to prepare for a possible pandemic.

Fukino said the agency's goal is to provide the most current and comprehensive information regarding the outbreak of avian flu in Europe and Asia and suggestions on what to do if avian flu should come here.

The Web site includes information from national response plans and resources on the federal pandemic flu Web site, www.pandemicflu.gov.

Residents with questions about pandemic flu may submit them to fluinfo@doh.hawaii.gov.