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NCCHC News
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Survey
Findings Will Help to Bridge Gaps in Pandemic Flu
Assistance |
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Many correctional facilities are
concerned about how to properly prepare for and respond
to a flu pandemic. It is highly important to collaborate
with county and state health departments, which should
have the resources to help facilities before and during
such an event.
As part of a nationwide effort to improve those relationships,
NCCHC is conducting a survey in cooperation with the
National Association of County and City Health Officials
and the Association of State and Territorial Health
Officials. We sent an e-mail survey to the health
administrators of all NCCHC-accredited facilities asking
about health department help in preparing for and
responding to a possible H1N1 flu outbreak, as well as
satisfaction with the level of support they received.
The findings, which we will share in late July, will enable NACCHO
and ASTHO to guide their own members in working more
effectively with correctional facilities. |
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CDC Guidance for Correctional
Facilities |
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The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued
interim guidance
specific for
correctional facilities during the outbreak of H1N1
virus to ensure continuation of essential public
services and protection of the health and safety of
inmates, staff and visitors. Note that these
recommendations may be revised as more information
becomes available. |
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JCHC
Article on Pandemic Flu Planning in Prisons |
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The
April 2009 issue of the Journal of Correctional
Health Care features "How Public Health and Prisons
Can Partner for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness," a
report on activities in Georgia with findings that can
aid planning in other prison systems. The article is
being made available for free at the
JCHC
Web site. |
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Communicate With Your
Jurisdictional Health Departments |
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Your local and state health departments
are a key resource for specific guidance on swine
influenza and information on emergency operations in
your jurisdiction. Partnership between corrections and
public health is essential for an effective response to
any disease outbreak. |
NCCHC Statement on the H1N1 Flu Outbreak
On June
11, the World
Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic
alert level to phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread
of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, which signals that a
pandemic is underway. This decision was based on expert
assessments that the scientific criteria for an influenza
pandemic have been met. It reflects the spread of the virus, not
the severity of illness caused by the virus, which currently is
deemed to be moderate.
U.S.
government official stated that this decision was expected and
doesn't change what is being in this country to respond to the
challenge. Effective and
essential measures include heightened surveillance, early
detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all
health facilities.
Although
severe cases have been rare in the United States, the government
cautions that the situation could change, especially during the
fall flu season. Because
novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no
immunity against it, thus illness may be more severe and
widespread. Currently there is no vaccine to protect against
this virus, although one is in development.
The nation’s detention and
corrections facilities may encounter cases of this virus.
Facility management looks to its health services professionals
for leadership in this matter. NCCHC offers the following tips
for staying on top of this rapidly evolving public health
emergency.
•
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention is closely tracking the outbreak. Its
H1N1 Flu Web site offers the most comprehensive updates and
information for the public and health professionals alike,
including interim guidance on prophylaxis and treatment. The CDC
also has developed a
guidance document specifically for correctional facilities.
•
Your state and local health
departments are the best sources of up-to-date information on
what’s happening in your area. These agencies generally have Web
sites with news and resources for health professionals. In
addition, the
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials is
compiling state-by-state information as it becomes available.
•
Correctional facilities are advised
to consult the
pandemic flu planning checklist developed by the CDC and the
Department of Justice. The checklist is meant to help prison and
jail systems to self-assess and improve their preparedness, and
should be adapted to meet the unique needs of each facility or
system.
•
Additional information and resources
on pandemic planning and preparedness for justice systems,
including corrections, are available from the
Bureau of Justice Assistance.
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While
this virus has some unique characteristics, the essential
principles of infection control and emergency response still
apply. For corrections-specific guidance, see NCCHC’s
Standards for Health Services; for jails and prisons, see
standard B-01, Infection Control Program, and standard A-07,
Emergency Response Plan.
Be
assured that NCCHC is keeping track of the situation with regard
to correctional facilities and will share more guidance as it
becomes available.
Updated July 3, 2009
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