Officials Consult on Bird Flu Preparations

WHAT:

Media briefing on efforts by federal, state, local and airport officials in planning emergency response to passengers presenting signs and symptoms of a possible communicable disease at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The media briefing will follow a 5-1/2 hour, closed-door table-top exercise and planning meeting attended by airport, healthcare, public health and other stakeholders to discuss the multi-agency response.

WHO:

Officials from Los Angeles World Airports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

WHEN:

2 pm PDT
Thursday, October 20, 2005

WHERE:

Radisson Hotel at LAX (intersection of Century and Sepulveda Boulevards)
6225 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-9000

MEDIA PARKING:

Vicksburg Street on the east side of the hotel and self-parking lot. Bring ticket for validation.

Thursday, Oct. 20: Centers for Disease Control, local health officials and LAWA representatives will hold a media availability following a 5-1/2 hour tabletop exercise on preparations to protect Southern California from a potential pandemic. LAX is considered the key entry point for possible transmission of bird flu into the U.S. because it is the number one air gateway from Asia. LAWA expects to complete preparations and response plan in November. (approx. 2 p.m. Radisson Hotel near LAX).