UNWTO warns: Prepare for second wave of flu pandemic
MADRID – In expectation that a second wave of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic will coincide with the beginning of the flu season in the northern hemisphere in coming months, international organisations need to increase their vigilance.
The World Tourism Organisatiion (UNWTO) held a two-day review and preparation exercise on Travel and Tourism under Pandemic Conditions in Madrid last week.
The workshop was convened to anticipate the challenges the virus will bring over the next few months and ensure that the travel and tourism sector is fully prepared for the evolving pandemic.
UNWTO stressed the need for a transparent, consistent and timely exchange of information and communication among the different stakeholders of the sector.
In particular, participants welcomed the regular exchanges within the Tourism Emergency Response Network, managed by UNWTO, and encouraged its consolidation.
It was also recommended that countries should review and confirm that tourism is appropriately included in overall pandemic preparedness plans.
The World Health Organisation said that in tropical climates, where the pandemic virus arrived later than elsewhere, authorities also need to prepare for an increasing number of cases.
WHO said that evidence from multiple outbreak sites demonstrates that the H1N1 pandemic virus has rapidly established itself and is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world
It said the overwhelming majority of patients continue to experience mild illness. Although the virus can cause very severe and fatal illness, also in young and healthy people, the number of such cases remains small.
Ian Jarrett
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