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MISSOURI ARMS AGAINST FLU PANDEMIC

February 5, 1998
By: Melissa Phillips
State Capital Bureau

If a world-wide flu outbreak were to strike Missouri, would the State be prepared?

That's what state health and public service officials are trying to determine. Melissa Phillips reports from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

The State Health Department says it's not a matter of if a flu pandemic will happen, but when.

So in order to prepare the State hosted Fluex' 98... the exercise is the first of its kind in both Missouri and the nation.

Doctor Eric Blank says that unlike an earthquake or flood, this type of emergency has the potential to affect the entire state.

Actuality:DR. ERIC BLANK, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
RunTime: 10
OutCue: ...IS AFFECTED EQUALLY."
Contents: "THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE REALLY IS THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A LOT OF PEOPLE GETTING SICK IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND EVERYBODY IS AFFECTED EQUALLY."

Another critical issue... who gets vaccinated.

Doctor Blank says there's not going to be enough vaccines for everybody... and priorities will have to be set.

From Jefferson City, this is Melissa Phillips.