Australian Local Government Association

Human influenza pandemic

A human influenza pandemic resulting from a new strain of influenza is a serious threat to communities. Emergency managers should be aware of the nature of the threat, of the likely impacts on their community and of the planning underway at the international, national, state and territory levels.

This Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing webpage outlines the pandemic influenza levels of alert and shows the current levels for Australia and overseas.

International perspective

The United Nations' World Health Organisation (WHO) is the peak international body monitoring possible pandemic outbreaks.

• The WHO's epidemic and pandemic alert and response page on the influenza pandemic threat covers the influenza pandemic, current level of threat, advice to the public, the current H5N1 avian influenza situation, and basic facts and dates.
• WHO's recommended strategic actions for responding to the avian influenza pandemic threat.
• The WHO tally of confirmed human cases of avian influenza.

National perspective

The Department of Health and Ageing maintains web pages with information for the general public and health professionals.

• The Department's links to resources and fact sheets on pandemic influenza.
• The Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza is the Australian Government's response plan.

State and territory governments

• The role of state and territory governments under the Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza.

Further information for local government

• Letter from Department of Health and Ageing to ALGA: Australian local government pandemic influenza planning (299 kb)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a one-stop access point to U.S. Government pandemic flu information. It is maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the principal US Government source of information on pandemics. The web site has extensive coverage on avian flu and on pandemic flu in general.
• Australian Industry Group Seminar website on bird flu and pandemics: Preparing business to manage the risks

For information regarding local government and emergency management, please contact: