PANDEMIC

Influenza Pandemic Plan

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new subtype of influenza virus emerges in humans to which most people have not been previously exposed and are therefore highly susceptible. The virus spreads rapidly between humans, infecting large numbers of people worldwide causing serious illness and many deaths resulting in severe social and economic disruption.

History has shown that pandemics tend to occur every 10-50 years however it is impossible to predict exactly when another pandemic will occur and how virulent it will be. The best thing to do is be prepared. The Victorian Government has developed a number of plans and will lead the State’s response to a human influenza pandemic in line with the National Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza.

The City of Ballarat has developed an Influenza Pandemic Plan which aims to assist in reducing the impacts of an influenza pandemic on the municipality, provide support and recovery assistance throughout its duration and ensure Council’s response activities are consistent with the whole of government response. You can download of copy of the plan here.