Information for the general public on pandemic and avian influenza, including an overview of Santa Barbara County’s Pandemic Influenza Plan, is available at www.SBCfluinfo.org
Information for Healthcare Providers
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Currently there are no human or avian cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in the U.S. If a confirmed case of avian influenza was reported in either birds or humans, anywhere in the nation, the Santa Barbara Public Health Department would alert local providers via its fax broadcast system. In the event of a local case, the Public Health Department would work with the State to conduct follow-up on suspected cases and individuals who have been exposed.
The Public Health Department, in collaboration with a countywide pandemic medical planning and response workgroup, will provide guidance to the medical community in the event of an avian influenza outbreak.
Enhanced Surveillance
The State recommendations for avian influenza (H5N1) remain at the enhanced level established in February 2004. The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) recommendations for enhanced surveillance activities and a list of countries with the poultry infection are here.
Forms for Healthcare Providers for Screening, Testing and Reporting
Phone stickers with contact information for reporting communicable diseases in Santa Barbara County are available by calling (805) 681-5280.
Laboratory Testing
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Lab is a member of the Respiratory Virus Network and is working with the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) and other local public health laboratories to provide a wider range of testing and confirmation of disease. PCR testing is locally available to rule out avian influenza with confirmatory testing available through VRDL.
For information on available testing for H5N1, please call Disease Control at (805) 681-5280.
Infection Control Guidelines
Please see updated California Department of Health Services Recommendations:
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