"Let me be clear. It is only a matter of time before we discover H5N1 in America. The migration patterns of the wild fowl that carry the virus make its appearance here almost inevitable."
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, March 13, 2006
The avian flu virus known as H5N1 has infected birds in 50 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa and more than 200 people worldwide, half of whom have died. While there have been no reported cases of sustained person-to-person transmission, the virus could develop the ability to be passed among humans and would then have the potential to spread quickly around the world.
The virus is being closely monitored by the federal government. A White House report paints a grim picture of the results of a serious outbreak, including 40 percent absenteeism, potential school closures, and travel restrictions. Closing the border would be difficult, but airline travel may be restricted. Ill passengers could be isolated and fellow travelers quarantined.
Pandemic flu poses a much greater risk than seasonal flu, which infects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year and is not life-threatening for most healthy people. Pandemic flu occurs when a new strain of the virus emerges that can be transmitted easily for which people have no immunity. There is currently no human vaccine commercially available and a limited supply of expensive antiviral medicines.
AH&LA is tracking this issue very closely and providing members with the most current information available. AH&LA will offer a Web-based seminar later this year, and AH&LA's Loss Prevention Committee is coordinating with government agencies on industry-wide efforts. AH&LA has established contact with key leaders at HHS and other departments to ensure members have all the tools and information they need to ensure the safety of employees and guests in the event that the worst-case scenario develops. While it is impossible to predict when a pandemic will strike, having a plan in place before that happens is the best way to minimize disruptions at your property.
AH&LA has established contact with key leaders at HHS and other departments to ensure that members have all the tools and information they need to ensure the safety of employees and guests in the event that the worst-case scenario develops. While it is impossible to predict when a pandemic will strike, having a plan in place before that happens is the best way to minimize disruptions at your property.
AH&LA is also a partner in TERN, a network of travel organizations that work together to coordinate efforts to respond to the possibility of an Avian Pandemic Influenza crisis. Other organizations include the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO), United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Crafting a plan for a flu pandemic is critical to any hotel's emergency preparedness efforts, and now is the time to develop those plans-before final warning signs are detected.
Avian Pandemic Flu Information
