Early this year, the Bush administraton released a “Pandemic Influenza Plan” with the hopes of deterring potential victims away from the reality of a viral flu which has been an issue in this nation for several years. The fact of the issue is that the plan has no comprehensive strategy for protecting those workers who stand at great risk for contracting an influenza. Those who are most at risk are those working to save and protect the public from the virus, such as health care workers, firefighters, police officers, and emergency service workers.
When a viral epidemic becomes an emergency, these first-line responders will be thrusted into the action and exposed to whatever potentially lethal virus is in the area, risking their lives to aid the public. Including those working with poultry on a regular basis, these men and women are potentially in danger at their workplace.
The virus of greatest concern at the present time is the avian flu, or bird flu. So far, the biggest problem has been from human contact with birds, with 144 cases reported. Scientists are concerned that the virus could mutuate into a strain contractable by human contact, which has been reported as a realistic possibility within the next few years. If this happens, it means about a fourth of the US could become sick with the virus, and millions could die.
If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury or if you’d like more information on what you can do to receive compensation in the course of an epidemic, please feel free to contact a personal injury lawyer such as Jacoby and Meyers in San Diego, California.
