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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Rachel Plotinsky, MD¹, Elizabeth A. Talbot, MD², Mary Ann Cooney, RN³, and Jose Montero, MD³. (1) Office of Workforce and Career Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NH DHHS, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, 603-271-7397, plotinsky@hotmail.com, (2) New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Surveillance Section, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, (3) Division of Public Health Services, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301

Background: Health officials predict that an influenza pandemic is imminent. The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services (NHDPHS) has created a pandemic response plan, including protocols for surveillance, isolation, quarantine, and prioritization strategies for vaccine and antiviral distribution. To test this plan, New Hampshire conducted a functional exercise. Methods: In consultation with NHDPHS, a contractor formulated exercise events and called and faxed messages during a 2-week period to NHDPHS staff to simulate the occurrence of pandemic-strain influenza within the state. Results: Fifty-seven NHDPHS staff participated in the pandemic exercise during the 2-week period (total of 390 person-hours). Estimated staff cost was $8,500; contractor cost was $500,000. NHDPHS responses included increased surveillance; case investigations; communication with the public, clinicians, and federal, state, and local agencies through dissemination of seven health alerts, two guidelines, one press conference, and two press releases; and establishment of an incident command center. Isolation and quarantine protocols were tested with the hypothetical isolation of 111 ill persons and quarantine of all their contacts, including quarantine of an entire college campus population. Supplies and medication, including antivirals and influenza vaccine, were requested from the Strategic National Stockpile. Actual vaccination clinics were held in three cities; 1,855 residents received influenza vaccine without adverse events. Deficiencies identified were lack of information technology and technical support staff. Conclusions: Public health preparedness is critical for controlling the spread of pandemic influenza. A functional exercise is a practical tool for evaluating a health department's preparedness and for refining and testing protocols.

Learning Objectives:

• The purpose of the presentation is to describe one state health department's method for evaluating pandemic preparedness.
• Attendees will learn about activities conducted and lessons learned from the pandemic exercise and will apply these to their own pandemic planning.

Keywords: Outbreaks, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation