Pandemic Preparedness
Disclosure Dr. Michael Braida is a full-time International SOS / MedAire employee Regional Medical Director Northern Seas based in Aberdeen MedAire Medical Director for Europe Medical doctor at Air Safety Central UK Intensive Care Medicine and HEMS specialist Member of the Ebola medical support team London 2
3 Spanish Flu 1918 - USA
4 A Modern Flu Today - USA
5 Pandemics and Commercial Aviation
Recent Pandemics - Outbreaks SARS and Coronavirus VHF: Ebola virus disease, Lassa, CCHF Avian influenza Epidemics are common occurrences in the world of the 21st century. Every country on earth has experienced at least one epidemic since the year 2000. Some are global others regional http://www.who.int/csr/disease/anticipating_epidemics/en/ 6
7 healthmap.org
8 WHO Phases of a Pandemic
The Current MERS CoV Situation There has been a recent increase in MERS CoV cases involving many countries, including the USA, France, and those in the Middle East Identified Sep 2012, since which there have been over 1600 cases. For latest information, please see: www.internationalsos.com/pandemicpreparednes Case fatality ratio of almost 30% Most cases have had severe pneumonia-like chest infection Infections seem to originate in the Arabian Peninsula, with the largest number of cases coming from Saudi Arabia Imported cases have occurred in the South Korea, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Tunisia, UK and USA Confirmed human to human transition has occurred with close family contacts or within healthcare in UK, France, Tunisia and Italy If this virus develops the ability to spread ready from person to person, it could cause a pandemic 9
MERS-CoV March 2012 2 September 2015 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Middle East Europe Asia Rest of the world Cases Deaths 10
Top 10 Countries March 2012 2 September 2015 Germany Kuwait United Kingdom Iran Oman Qatar Jordan United Arab Emirates South Korea Saudi Arabia 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Deaths Cases 11
12 MERS-CoV Travel Routes
The Current H7N9 Situation Over 400 confirmed cases, mostly in China H7N9 suspected to have originated in birds Concerning because H7N9 it is not known to have infected humans prior to February 2013 A completely new virus that can infect humans At this time, it is not known whether H7N9 spreads between people Humans in general don t have any immunity to H7 flus The pandemic potential is uncertain at this stage H7N9 has infected people in several areas of China Approximately 20-25% of those infected have died Most of the others have severe illness and are in critical condition. Several mild cases have been detected. For the latest information, please see www.internationalsos.com/pandemicpreparedness 13
Avian Influenza / Bird Flu H5N1 H5N1 is the well-known Avian influenza virus that has mutated to allow it to infect mammals, including humans Migratory wild birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses - they can carry the virus without becoming ill and have spread H5N1 around the world. Transmitted in respiratory secretions and feces Potential to cause a pandemic 60% Mortality rate Avian influenza H5N1 can be transmitted human-to-human but not readily occurs in those who are in close, unprotected contact with infected person 14
What is a Pandemic? An epidemic occurring over a very wide area (several countries or continents) and usually affecting a large proportion of the population. Example: The spread of Pandemic Influenza 15
What are the challenges? Anywhere, Anytime Spread quickly Fast-moving Outbreaks can evolve Severity results in a response Media and disinformation Responding to the unknown Communication, risk mitigation Variable capabilities Local systems vary 16
Can we anticipate epidemics? Epidemic forecasting? Not yet. Weather forecasting is more reliable! We are still very reactive today. Lacking are: A joint effort is required Data Mathematical models Scientific exchange? Surveillance systems Funding 17
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework https://extranet.who.int/pip-pc-implementation/ 18
Implications to Business Sickness and death among workforce 30-45% could be infected (over a 12-18 month period) 5-10% of these could die (total of 1.5% - 3% of workers) On average 5% of workers sick at any one time On average 10-15% of workers unavailable at any one time (e.g. caring for children, parents, etc) Up to xx% of employees could be absent 19
Pandemic Preparedness The main focus is to: Minimize spread of the disease Reduce illness and death rates Attempt to maintain essential services Limit the economic and social consequences of the outbreak For organizations, to ensure employee health and maintain business continuity, they should: Monitor an evolving pandemic Keep up-to-date with recommendations from reliable sources and health experts Ensure clear communication between staff, health practitioners, government and non-government organizations Identify those employees and dependents who fall into the "high risk" group and ensure their health care is optimized Identify if and when essential staff and dependents should be moved from their present location, and to where they should be relocated 20
Pandemic Planning from International SOS Pandemic planning incorporates the latest methodologies, including lessons taken from our experience with SARS, Avian (H5N1) and Swine Flu (H1N1) Our pandemic planning approach follows a four stage approach: Assessment Plan Development Plan Customisation Plan Testing and Maintenance Within each of these stages, specific tools and approaches have been developed to meet your planning needs 22
Pandemic Planning Consulting is conducted by a specialist pandemic consultant trained in our methodology and IP approach The basic planning approach follows four key steps to develop a complete corporate pandemic plan Key areas of Pandemic Planning include Trigger point management Organizational structure and escalation, internal policy and procedures Employee management procedures (Screening, Quarantine, and reducing the spread) Communications guidelines and information sheets, health education, posters, etc. Personal protective equipment advice Pharmaceutical interventions (vaccination / medication) Travel management 23
Pandemic Information The Pandemic Information website is the foundation for accessing our suite of Pandemic Planning services Online information service, news, recommendations and interpretation surrounding pandemic preparedness Updated 24/7 by team of medical experts Email updates & Special Bulletins Access to specialist webinars Pandemic Planning reference manual 25
Pandemic Information The Pandemic Information website can support your organization by: keeping you constantly informed of the threat & its evolution across different countries giving you the tools to enhance your pandemic plan (information sheets, posters, etc) giving you information and tools to trigger the actions defined in your pandemic plan guide you in assessing the severity of the strain the appropriate actions Pandemic Information keeps you appropriately informed 26
Pandemic Preparedness elearning Purpose: to raise awareness among employees of what to expect during a pandemic and how to mitigate their risks of infection What is it? 90 minute elearning structured in 9 lessons with an interactive quiz covering: Introduction to pandemics Staying healthy Personal hygiene Cleaning and food safety Personal protective equipment (PPE) Interactive, web-based learning, easy to access whenever/ wherever the user wants Can include a your pandemic policies in the course Developed & updated by pandemic experts Available in multiple languages Keeping your distance What to do if someone is sick If you have contact with a sick person / (Contact Tracing) If a doctor is not available Pandemic elearning demonstrates you Duty of Care to employees and is ideal for disparate populations 27
Pandemic Preparedness at International SOS We ve assisted over 300 clients with their Pandemic Plans Our clients have the systems in place to manage operations and duty of care to their employees in the event of a pandemic Our medical experts are here to assist you in your preparation International SOS Pandemic Preparedness Solutions provide you with the Information, Planning and Education to help you manage the threat of a Pandemic 28
29 Publications
30 Thank You