Are Belgian hospitals prepared for an H5NI1-pandemic?

peer reviewed ; Objective Virulent airborne diseases can be a real burden to a nation's health system. The most recent threat is the fear of a mutation-induced H5N1-influenza pandemic. We studied whether Belgian hospitals are able to deal with H5N1-influenza infected patients in the case of a pandemic. Many patients, including children, may require artificial ventilation within 48h after admission. Methods A survey aimed at determining 'availability and preparedness' was sent by e-mail to the different Belgian Emergency Departments. Results and discussion Sixty-five hospitals were finally incl... Mehr ...