Source: http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/jul/09/infectious_disease_expert_speak_thursday/

Infectious disease expert to speak Thursday
By Zach Fridell (Contact)

Steamboat Springs — A nationally known expert on infectious disease will speak in Steamboat Springs on Thursday about the potential of a worldwide influenza pandemic. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, will give a speech titled “The Next Influenza Pandemic: A Harbinger of Things to Come?” as part of the Seminars at Steamboat series.

Osterholm said the speech is targeted at everyone and will cover possible effects on all parts of society.

“Whether you’re the CEO of a corporation or the mother of young kids,” the topic is applicable, he said.

The speech, from 5 to 6 p.m., is free and open to the public. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer period.

Bob Stein, one of the board members for the seminar series, said he expects Osterholm to talk about how communities can prepare for biological events, from the possible pandemic to a bioterrorism attack.

“I think he is going to focus on the flu but recognize that whether it’s anthrax or other bioterrorism issues, the real question is how do you prepare for something which you believe is going to happen but you aren’t sure exactly when or the extent of what it is going to be,” he said.