Ramaz Mitaishvili, MD
Glendale, USA

• Laboratory staff involved in accessioning, processing and analysis of potential influenza virus samples will be monitored for presentation of ILI during the period of the influenza season when positive samples are being submitted. All laboratory staff in the microbiology section have been offered the current vaccine.
• Laboratories staff involved in cell culture and molecular analysis will insure that enhanced biosafety level 2 procedures are followed for all sample processing including manipulation of samples with potential live virus in a BSC, use of gloves, lab coats and masks (when appropriate), processing of samples with no other staff in the immediate lab area and disinfection of the processing area following each procedure.

Currently the ELC influenza laboratory staff includes the ELC molecular virologist microbiologist and two laboratory scientists assigned part-time duties for cell culture processing, analysis and fluorescent microscopy confirmation. In advanced phases, if the workload volume increases beyond the current staffing capacity, the bioterrorism preparedness laboratory staff will serve as a surge capacity laboratory for additional manpower.

Deaths from Influenza and Pneumonia

The Vital Statistics program of the PCDCP reports the total number of deaths processed each week as well as the number of those deaths attributable to pneumonia and influenza to coordinator for case study.

Influenza Control and Prevention

Isolation, Quarantine, and Community Containment Activities

Containment measures (isolation and quarantine) may have limited impact in the prevention of transmission of pandemic influenza due to the short incubation period of the illness, the ability of persons with asymptomatic infection to transmit the virus, and the non-specific nature of clinical illness from influenza. Nonetheless, during the early stages of a pandemic, particularly if the novel virus is not efficiently transmitted, use of isolation and quarantine may slow disease spread and allow time for targeted use of medical interventions.