Imagine athletes and spectators to the 2002 Winter games in Salt Lake coughing and sneezing, with the Flu bug. That's why federal, state and local agencies will hold a major health summit here in two months. Here's more on that story from Science Specialist Ed Yeates:

((ED YEATES, SCIENCE SPECIALIST: "WHEN 2002 COMES, WE'LL BE WATCHING THE WEATHER AND THE SNOW, BUT A HUNDRED PEOPLE WHO HAVE FORMED A VERY UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WILL BE KEEPING AN EYE ON SOMETHING WE CAN'T SEE."))

The flu bug and other influenza-like strains--germs and organisms hiding in food and sewage waste. All the muscle and strength in the world won't compete against these miniature villains.

That's why the CDC will meet with State and county health departments from Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, Utah, Wasatch, Weber and Morgan counties in June to map out a battle plan.

OLYMPIC HEALTH STRATEGY
Foods
Swimming pools and spas
Hotel housing
Childcare centers
Drinking water
Waste water
Solid waste
Portable facilities
Injuries

The IOC has contracted with Intermountain Health Care to set up medical command centers. Health department teams would work seven days a week as watchdogs. If any illness shows up.

((KENT MINER, SLC/COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: "AS SOON AS IT WAS REPORTED TO AN IHC OR A HOSPITAL THAT THAT INFORMATION WOULD GO BACK DIRECTLY TO THE COMMAND CENTER AND WE WOULD BE ABLE TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY."))

The health teams may even notify athletes in their home countries about any strain of flu which could be on its way to Utah. In that case...

((KENT MINER, SLC/COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: "WE WOULD RECOMMEND THAT THEY TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO BE VACCINATED FOR THOSE DISEASES."))

In staging a model for the world, Utah health folks hope to keep the 2002 games disease free.

At the Salt Lake Summit, the CDC will share some of the health do's and don'ts it's learned from both the Atlanta and Nagano games.