In light of the growing concern of a possible avian flu outbreak, Mayor Bloomberg (R-NY) and the city health commissioner unveiled a preparedness and response plan Monday.Bloomberg says the city's plan of attack would include disease monitoring, making the most of medications, closing schools and limiting public gatherings. If the bird flu mutates into a form that can be spread by humans, health officials say up to 30 percent of the city could possibly become infected. According to the Department of Health, if there was an outbreak a vaccine would not be available for six to nine months after the pandemic is detected.

Related Information: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene