Hawaii Readies for Global Flu Epidemic
HONOLULU - Hawaii, both tourist mecca and western gateway to the nation, is ahead of many states in preparing for a possible global flu epidemic.
With thousands of tourists arriving daily, many from Asia, officials here were first to start an airport flu monitoring program. Experts say the state is "in the vanguard" when it comes to preparedness.
And no wonder. Hawaii's early history is filled with the ravages of disease after Captain James Cook arrived in 1778. Cook's crew and the Europeans who followed brought smallpox, measles and syphilis _ devastating to the islanders.
Today the fear is over the potential for a deadly flu epidemic if the bird flu in Asia mutates into a form that is more dangerous to people.
"We are very concerned in Hawaii about the fact we are the western doorway to the United States," said Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the state Department of Health. "We see a large number of visitors ... and a good proportion of them are from the Far East where we know a good number of emerging diseases are originating."
The Honolulu airport's program to examine incoming passengers on a voluntary basis was announced in November, making Hawaii the first state to monitor airports for signs of bird flu or other flu viruses.
Officials also have plans for limited quarantines and amassed a supply of protective gear for doctors and nurses. Next month, the state will hold a seminar to help employers learn how a pandemic might affect their workers and businesses.