Avian Influenza/Bird Flu Information

Prepare, don’t panic.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network leadership team is actively engaged in monitoring developments on avian influenza/bird flu. We’re committed to serving our members and recognize the need for preparedness.

The spread of the bird virus across eastern Asia and other countries could pose a significant threat to human health. The virus, spread by migratory birds, can be transmitted from birds to mammals, and, in some limited circumstances, to humans. Bird flu continues to evolve and may eventually develop into a form that could be more easily transmitted to people.

This means the virus has the potential to cause a possible worldwide flu outbreak (called a pandemic), which could severely strain the health care system and seriously affect operations.

We want you to know that we’re developing a business preparedness plan that will address critical business operations during a pandemic.

We've been in contact with private and public agencies to explore how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can best support their activities in preparation for and, if it occurs, responding to a pandemic.

We'll continue to keep abreast of this issue. Several government or health agency Web sites can help you stay current on bird flu developments as well:

• Pandemicflu.gov — the official U.S. government site Information on pandemic flu and avian influenza
  
• The State of Michigan’s official site Hosted by the Department of Community Health
  
• The official site of the World Health Organization Includes links to regional sites in Africa, Southeast Asia, western Pacific, eastern Mediterranean, Europe and the Americas
  
• Information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention