The city of Munich's preparations for an influenza pandemic

The publication of the German National Influenza Pandemic Plan initiated many public health activities at state and regional levels to get prepared for an influenza pandemic. Because of their population densities, urban areas will likely be affected earlier und more extensively. Therefore, the City of Munich started its preparations for a crisis situation early. The Division of Health and Environment of the City of Munich is the public health office responsible for putting plans into action. The main responsibilities are COOFdination and communication. Common measures to prevent and control infections on the basis of the Infectious Disease Control Act have to be implemented in a pandemic situation. The surveillance of influenza including laboratory diagnosis is highly sophisticated in Bavaria. Therapeutic means have developed significantly compared with the last pandemic in 1968. Nevertheless, at the peak of a pandemic, a shortage of personnel, hospital beds, vaccines and medications is expected. Priorities in the distribution of health resources should be defined in advance to help with decision making during the pandemic. Adequate communication with the public and all partners will be critical in order to reduce fear and unforeseen social disruption.