Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle yesterday announced the launch of a new Web site to help provide information and resources to people across the state about pandemic flu. The site was designed to help individuals, families, businesses, school, and communities prepare for and make plans to deal with a possible pandemic.

"Wisconsin is recognized as a national leader in preparing for an influenza pandemic," Governor Doyle said. "We are doing everything possible to be prepared and to keep our residents as safe and healthy as possible during a pandemic. This Web site is just one more step to help our communities, businesses, schools, organizations and government agencies to connect."

Last year, Governor Doyle instructed the Department of Health and Family Services to convene and lead the Avian Flu Coordination Team in the development of clear, concise and consistent communication for the public regarding pandemic flu.
In addition to information about pandemic flu and avian (bird) flu, the site has planning checklists and links to other related Web sites and resources. The site also provides details about the three types flu -- seasonal, bird and pandemic -- and information about Wisconsin's efforts to prepare for a potential pandemic.

Pandemic.wisconsin.gov was created with input by the Wisconsin Departments of Administration, Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Health and Family Services, Natural Resources, Public Instruction, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the State Laboratory of Hygiene, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
KW