SECTION 4: RISK ASSESSMENT
person, with a transfer of those droplets to the victim’ s eyes, nose, or mouth.
Zika Virus - Discovered in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947, the Zika virus is a member of the flavivirus family. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). Zika virus can also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy and can result in serious birth defects, including microcephaly. Less commonly, the virus can be spread through intercourse or blood transfusion. However, most people infected with the Zika virus do not become sick. Ebola – Previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. It was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa, but the virus is largely contained and a vaccine is in development. Today, a large percentage of the world’s population is clustered in cities, making rapid spread of disease more possible. Additionally, the explosive growth in air travel means the virus could literally be spread around the globe within hours. Under such conditions, there may be very little warning time. Most experts believe we will have just one to six months between the time that a dangerous new influenza strain is identified and the time that outbreaks begin to occur in the United States. Outbreaks are expected to occur simultaneously throughout much of the nation, preventing shifts in human and material resources that normally occur with other natural disasters. These and many other aspects make influenza pandemic unlike any other public health emergency or community disaster.
Warning Time: 1 – More than 24 hours
Duration: 4 – More than one week LOCATION
Infectious disease outbreaks can occur anywhere in the planning area, especially where there are groups of people in close quarters. EXTENT Extent is largely dependent on the type of disease and on the effect that it has on the population. Extent can be defined by the number and distribution of people infected, which could reach thousands within the county depending on the disease. An especially severe influenza pandemic or other major disease outbreak could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Impacts could range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation, health care, and the delivery of food and essential medicines.
Impact: 3 – Critical
Spatial Extent: 4 – Large
Table 4.94 describes the World Health Organization’s six main phases to a pandemic flu as part of their planning guidance. Table 4.94 – World Health Organization's Pandemic Flu Phases Phase Description 1 No animal influenza virus circulating among animals have been reported to cause infection in humans. 2 An animal influenza virus circulating in domesticated or wild animals is known to have caused infection in humans and is therefore considered a specific potential pandemic threat.
Wake County, NC Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
WSP June 2024 Page 175
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