Flu Update

The state of North Carolina held a Pandemic Flu Summit last week. Michael Leavitt, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, advised that the bird flu will probably show up in a bird in the United States relatively soon.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department continues to monitor the incidence of avian flu worldwide, and the more serious threat of pandemic influenza.

Historically, each of the last three centuries has seen episodes of pandemic flu in the United States and public health epidemiologists believe we have entered an era of particularly high concern.

To date, there is no bird flu present in the United States. We have been assured by poultry and agriculture experts that our major poultry producing areas in the state of North Carolina are isolated and protected from potentially infected wild migratory birds.

Surveillance systems statewide, nationwide and worldwide are far more sophisticated and reliable than in previous generations in reporting early incidents of disease here and in other regions of the world.

North Carolina has used the preparation for potential bio-terrorism to prepare public health professionals to respond to any possible pandemic. If you have further concerns or questions, please call Health Director Wynn Mabry at 704-336-3199.

Spring Forward for The Mecklenburgers

A new season of The Mecklenburgers premieres Sunday, April 2, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. on WTVI.  This is the second season television series, produced through a partnership of the County's Public Service & Information Department and WTVI.

The Mecklenburgers will air every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. with an encore broadcast on Fridays at 11 p.m.  Ten new episodes are scheduled for this second season, covering topics such as mental illness myths and truths, adoption, public infrastructure (capital investments), detention and jails, status of seniors, differences between city and county services, and domestic violence.

The Mecklenburgers is an innovative and entertaining method of raising public awareness of the County's responsibilities, services and results. Last season's seven episodes received four Telly Awards and reached an average of 15,000 households per episode.  Also, a special holiday episode that aired in December 2005 recently received three additional Telly Awards.  One of the goals for this season is to average 20,000 households per episode, which would put it among the highest rated locally produced shows WTVI.

An Invitation from the City

The City of Charlotte will host its 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium on Saturday April 22, 2006 at the Charlotte Marriott City Center at 100 West Trade Street.

Neighborhood leaders will convene for workshops, exhibits, networking and information sharing focused on strengthening neighborhoods.  The theme for this year's event is "Standards of Excellence:  Showcasing Model Neighborhoods."  Keynote speaker is Mickey Fearn with the City of Seattle, WA.  County leaders and administrators are invited to attend.  Registration is available at the Neighborhood Development website at www.charmeck.org or by calling 704-336-2061.

--Harry L. Jones, Sr., County Manager