A pandemic flu preparedness pamphlet has been released this week by the La Salle County Health Department.

The brochure, adapted from federal government's "Guide for Individuals and Families" offers basic information about pandemic flu and suggestions on how to be ready in case of an outbreak.

A flu pandemic is a widespread outbreak that occurs when a new strain of flu develops that rapidly spreads from person to person. Seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide protection.

No one can say when that might happen or if bird flu will be the cause, but health officials have said that statistically it seems probable.

"One of the main messages that we think people should be aware of right now is that in the event this does happen is that people can get prepared now at home -- and that, essentially, is the best thing that they can do at this point in time," said Jenny Barrie, health department health educator.

This brochure will be distributed to La Salle County School Officials by the Regional Office of Education. It also is available to the general public and can be accessed on the health department's website at www.lasallecounty.org/hd.

"We also are in the process of forming committees, defining roles and working together with other agencies in the county," said Barrie.

The La Salle County Health Department has prepared a flu pandemic response plan that already has been submitted to the state for review and approval -- but issued it locally only on a restricted basis. The plan is not available to the public.

Draft copies of the plan were distributed at an introductory pandemic flu planning meeting held by the La Salle County Health Department on July 20.

According to a Health Department press release, invitations were extended to key personnel from a variety of agencies throughout the county. Representatives from the Illinois Valley and Ottawa Chapters of the American Red Cross, Illinois Valley Pharmacy Association, Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Mendota Community Hospital, Community Hospital of Ottawa, St. Mary's Hospital, La Salle County Coroner, La Salle County Sheriff, La Salle County Animal Control, La Salle County Regional Office of Education, La Salle County Emergency Management Agency, La Salle County Board Chairman, La Salle County Medical Society and Illinois Valley Community College attended.

The press release said the purpose of the meeting was to generate discussion regarding departmental and community response of each agency in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak. Participants viewed an informational video regarding an emerging virus which has the potential of becoming the next pandemic. They also were asked to review and determine their agency's contribution to the plan during a pandemic outbreak.

The new informational pamphlet on pandemic preparedness was developed based on recommendations from the group.

The agency representatives also had the opportunity to participate in a pandemic flu exercise. The event, held on July 27 at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, was sponsored by the Illinois Association of Public Health Administrators, funded by local health departments with pandemic flu grant money. Participants included representatives from the Illinois Valley and Ottawa Chapters of the American Red Cross, Community Hospital of Ottawa, Illinois Valley Community Hospital, La Salle County Animal Control, La Salle County Health Department, and Mendota Community Hospital.

Dr. Dell Brodd, the county's animal control administrator, reported on the meetings at the County Board's Animal Control Committee earlier this month.

Of the three 20th century flu pandemics, the notably Spanish Flu of 1918-1919, resulted in an estimated 40 million deaths worldwide, Brodd said.

According to health statistics, in the United States, about 28 percent of the population was infected and at least 500,000 died.

One likely method for the spread of the disease will be by migrating birds, Brodd said. And while the current strain has made only a limited species jump from birds to humans, "the worry is that the virus may mutate into something that will spread very quickly from person to person," he said.

As of late June, the World Health Organization reported finding 232 cases of bird flu worldwide, with most of them in Southeast Asia. But of those cases, 134 ended in death.

A typical pandemic flu can travel quickly and have fast results, with death happening within days from "completely consolidated lung" filled with body fluids, Brodd said.

That can mean widespread disruption of social services -- and, of particular concern to Brodd and the La Salle County Animal Response Team, animals left uncared for all over the county because their owners were seriously ill or dead.

"It's scary to think about and hopefully it won't happen," Brodd said. "But I say people have to be scared a little bit to get prepared."

Brodd said he was not aware of municipal governments in La Salle County doing much to prepare for a potential pandemic.

But County Board Member Don Kaminky, R-Somonauk, said citizens should be thinking about preparing on their own.

"If something like that happens in this county then it's going to be like an avalanche coming down a hill, and government just doesn't respond that fast."