title: Pandemic influenza planning, United States, 1978-2008.
abstract: During the past century, 4 influenza pandemics occurred. After the emergence of a novel influenza virus of swine origin in 1976, national, state, and local US public health authorities began planning efforts to respond to future pandemics. Several events have since stimulated progress in public health emergency planning: the 1997 avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak in Hong Kong, China; the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States; the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome; and the 2003 reemergence of influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in humans. We outline the evolution of US pandemic planning since the late 1970s, summarize planning accomplishments, and explain their ongoing importance. The public health community's response to the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic demonstrated the value of planning and provided insights into improving future plans and response efforts. Preparedness planning will enhance the collective, multilevel response to future public health crises.
authors.affiliation: Office of the Associate Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Mailstop D50, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jxi0@cdc.gov
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iskander
authors.forename: Raymond A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Strikas
authors.forename: Kathleen F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Gensheimer
authors.forename: Nancy J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Redd
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D006285:Health Planning; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D058873:Pandemics; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: influenza; pandemic influenza; pandemic planning; public health preparedness; viruses