ELP Podcasts

Currents: Episode 13 -- Planning for the next flu pandemic

In a typical year up to 35,000 people die of the flu, just in the United States. During a flu pandemic, the mortality rate can be enormous. And beyond that, flu pandemics can cause major disruptions in the normal functioning of society. As if that news wasn't bad enough, we're due for another pandemic. Health officials are in agreement that another flu pandemic is inevitable, and utilities are not ready for it, even though they will be absolutely essential to the response to such a disaster. On this episode of Currents we talk to renowned epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm about the utility industry's most critical vulnerabilities and what they can do to get ready for the coming pandemic. After you listen to the episode, visit these websites for more information on planning for a pandemic:

Edison Electric Institute

The Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy at the University of Minnesota (the coal report)

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. Department of Energy (pdf)

National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

  • File Type mp3
  • File Length 00:17:31 min
  • File Size 0 kb
  • Date 12/01/08
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