The effectiveness of the Island's response to a possible outbreak of the so-called 'bird flu' H5N1 Influenza virus was put to the test by Government.

Last Thursday, the Ministry of Health held an Influenza Pandemic Workshop to assist Bermuda's essential services and business community to be better prepared in the event of an influenza pandemic.

A variety of agencies attended, including Police, civil servants, the Bermuda Regiment and representatives from the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the virus is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses.

These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.

However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Millions of birds have already died from the virus in Asia, as well as thousands of people.

Dr. Avril Siung-Chang from the Pan American Health Organisation's (PAHO) Trinidad office, led the participants through the workshop.

The day included presentations on public health approaches to pandemic influenza planning, an overview of Bermuda's Pandemic Plan and concluded with a three-and-a-half-hour tabletop exercise setting out a scenario to test Bermuda's ability to respond in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Dr. Chang, before leaving Bermuda, noted: "The workshop went well and met our stated objectives to enhance understanding of the role of each of the stakeholders and to identify gaps and weaknesses in the plan.

"Most importantly, it helped to identify areas where we need to focus our efforts, (for example), communications to the public and our partners."

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann noted that there were several lessons learned. "Key among them was that communication more than anything else will be the difference between successfully managing a national emergency and ensuring the support and overall well-being of the public," he said.

He also stated that planning and coordination are paramount in being able to respond effectively to an influenza pandemic.

This exercise served to inform our stakeholders of their role in an influenza pandemic and to advise health officials of areas of concern as we continue to monitor the H5N1 virus.

"Although at this point," he continued, "there continues to be no human-to-human spread of the virus. We must be prepared in the event that this situation changes.

"An exercise such as this assists us to ensure that necessary steps are being taken in preparation."

Dr. Cann went on to note: "Department of Health officials will work with the Department of Communication and Information to ensure that a timeline is established and that there are regular updates provided on the status of the virus and the steps to be taken should that status change."