Disease Mitigation Measures in the Control of Pandemic Influenza

Abstract

The threat of an influenza pandemic has alarmed countries around the globe and given rise to an intense interest in disease mitigation measures. This article reviews what is known about the effectiveness and practical feasibility of a range of actions that might be taken in attempts to lessen the number of cases and deaths resulting from an influenza pandemic. The article also discusses potential adverse second- and third-order effects of mitigation actions that decision makers must take into account. Finally, the article summarizes the authors' judgments of the likely effectiveness and likely adverse consequences of the range of disease mitigation measures and suggests priorities and practical actions to be taken.

Public Response to Community Mitigation Measures for Pandemic Influenza

“…Several studies based on fi ndings from mathematical models and historical analyses suggest that early implementation of multiple measures, such as social distancing, school closures, and isolation of sick persons, may be effective in reducing the transmission of the virus (2-6). Other researchers cite uncertainty (7) or believe such measures may not be effective (8,9).…”

Community Engagement: Leadership Tool for Catastrophic Health Events

“…Evidence of their effectiveness is ambiguous: (1) there are no scientific studies of these measures in the setting of pandemic flu; (2) historical investigations of their efficacy are limited in number, and it is unclear how the past translates to the present context; (3) today's mathematical modeling of their utility is contingent on assumptions and has not considered issues of public compliance, political support, and logistical burdens. 104 In light of the scientific uncertainty, some leaders may consider implementing nonpharmaceutical containment measures on the grounds that they might help and cannot hurt. Social, economic, and political realities govern any measure's effectiveness as well as its capacity to harm a community inadvertently.…”

Supply of neuraminidase inhibitors related to reduced influenza A (H1N1) mortality during the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic: summary of an ecological study

“…Antivirals, and specifically neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) including oseltamivir and zanamivir, are efficacious in lowering influenza‐related morbidity, reducing both the duration of symptoms of influenza and the overall severity of the illness, along with reducing the overall disease attack rate and lessening the scope of local epidemics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. These results prompted international recommendations for the use of NAIs during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.…”