SEMA plans for possible pandemic

October 14, 2005
By: Dustin Blanchard
State Capital Bureau

Europe is on high alert after officials found avian flu cases in Turkey and Romania.

Dustin Blanchard tells us what Missouri is doing, in case the deadly virus shows up here.

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The State Emergency Management Agency already has plans in place to deal with a possible pandemic.

Agency Spokesperson Suzie Stonner says SEMA might quarantine entire communities if the virus is found in humans.

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Contents: "Depending on the severity of the outbreak, there are different state agencies we'd be coordinating with. We'd probably be coordinating with the Department of Transportation to help the Department of Senior Services get vaccinations into the area."

Stonner says SEMA will also bring in the National Guard for security, if needed.

SEMA already practiced response to the bird flu -- along with the Departments of Agriculture and Health.

From the state Capitol, I'm Dustin Blanchard.

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