King County Council Chair calls for briefing on swine flu outbreak

Public Health to discuss local monitoring and preparations for response if needed

The chair of the Metropolitan King County Council today called for a briefing from officials of Public Health - Seattle & King County on the current situation and latest developments in the international swine flu outbreak.

“With health officials around the world mobilizing to investigate and control this new type of swine influenza, we need to know what can and is being done to monitor for the disease and prepare for any response that may be needed,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine, who contacted Public Health officials on Sunday.

"In this era of global travel and the rapid spread of emerging diseases, we must be vigilant about protecting public health,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the King County Board of Health.

The briefing will take place tomorrow morning as part of the regular meeting of the King County Council:

Monday, April 27
11:30 a.m.
Council chambers
10th floor, King County Courthouse
Third and James Streets

Briefing the Council from Public Health – Seattle & King County will be Dr. David Fleming, Director, and Dr. Jeff Duchin, Disease Control Officer for Communicable Disease. They are expected to discuss heightened local monitoring for the disease; planning and coordination with health care, government, private sector and community-based partners; and measures residents can take to protect themselves and their community.