On May 1, Burson-Marsteller hosted a client conference call with former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Dr. Joan Nichols of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Dr. Nichols, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, and Immunology Director of the Infectious Diseases Biosafety Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch, spoke to the epidemiology of the virus, the current status, latest guidance, and recommended health precautions. Secretary Chertoff, who was responsible for directing the U.S. government's response to global epidemics like this one, shared invaluable insights into how organizations best prepare for and share information during fast-moving global public health events.
Read more and download the call
The outbreak of the so-called swine influenza in Mexico is an example of the rapid transmission of new viral diseases. This rapid transmission is exacerbated by international business travel and tourism and presents a health risk that could pose a mid-level threat to some industries and sectors.
The influenza that recently broke out in Mexico is a combination of bird, swine and human flu viruses that has the potential of developing into a global pandemic. The transmission from animals to humans and the subsequent infection among humans underline the high degree of adaptability of the virus and the ease of rapid genetic mutations.
Experts have observed encouraging signs that suggest this virus strain is not as dangerous as initially feared. Nevertheless, the WHO has stopped just short of declaring the virus a Phase 6 global pandemic.
The outbreak of an epidemic can have a dramatic effect on the economy. A ban on public assembly or even the warning to avoid large public gatherings immediately impacts on the revenues of retail businesses, restaurants, public transportation, the tourism industry, airline travel and recreational park operators, even though businesses are not officially required to close.
Companies must be aware of their responsibilities towards their employees and customers and adopt crisis strategies to protect them in the event of a case of illness. This is especially true for companies in the food and beverage industry.
This epidemic has no negative influence on food security, although many consumers are concerned about the consumption of pork given the misleading name of the virus strain.
Relevant Links
Health Organization Links
Travel Advisories
Pandemic Influenza Information
Our global team can help your organization review its pandemic or crisis preparedness plans, create or refine employee communication protocols, develop key messages, create H1N1 microsites and develop engagement strategies for both internal and external stakeholders. Contact us at H1N1@bm.com for more information.