| Swine Flu in India: Under control or time to panic? |
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Swine Flu, or Influenza A(H1N1), has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The global response now focuses on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases, and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. The outbreak began in Mexico, with evidence that Mexico was already in the midst of an epidemic for months before the outbreak was recognized. In early June 2009, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, but also noted that most illnesses were of "moderate severity." The virus has since spread to the Southern Hemisphere which entered its winter flu season, and to many less developed countries with limited healthcare systems. Because the virus was spreading with "unprecedented speed", and many clinics were overwhelmed testing and treating patients, WHO stopped requiring countries to report all cases.
This week, there were signs that despite the government's reassurance to its citizens, that panic had started to grip the nation. People rushed to get tested and buy face masks, which rose in price from 5 rupees (10 cents) to 150 rupees ($3), the Associated Press reported. Crime RiskIn early June, the Australian Crime Commission, in a written public report, warned that criminals may exploit a swine flu pandemic. They pointed out that illicit markets, robbery and fraud through false charities were all potential targets for organised crime, and the emergence of a black market for medicine was also a concern. "Criminal groups may also seek to infiltrate legitimate markets such as transport, finance and government sectors to help facilitate criminal activity and confuse the line between their illegal and legal activities," the report said. In late May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uncovered a "surge of phony swine flu treatments" available on the Internet. They have reportedly ordered dozens of Web site operators to stop making fraudulent claims. Is it Safe to Travel?According the the World Health Organisation, yes. The WHO website does not recommend travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading. About PascoPasco is a multi-faceted and highly specialised, global risk consulting company. We provide our clients with the necessary breadth of services required by them to operate successfully and safely within frontier markets and high risk environments throughout Africa, Central Eastern Europe, CIS, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. With a solid reputation built up over more than a decade for understanding clients' specific needs, Pasco has developed an impressive depth of industry and functional expertise that enables us to confidently deliver accurate, timely advice and services wherever they are needed. Pasco has the capacity and expertise to undertake assignments under the most demanding conditions around the world. Travel and Employee Security - In the course of conducting business your staff may travel to some unfamiliar or high risk destinations. Our TravelSafe service is designed to ensure employees and their dependants remain safe and secure, whether you rely upon our intelligence driven advisory or our highly specialised close protection services. About Tim CliftonTim holds a MA from Cambridge University and is Pasco Managing Director of its Asia-Pacific region. |
“India, with more than one billion inhabitants, is attempting to stem the building panic. India has had just over 1,500 confirmed cases of swine flu so far — almost less than one confirmed case per million people in the country” said Pasco Asia-Pacific Managing Director Tim Clifton. And despite the fact that there are doubtless many unconfirmed cases as well, public health officials are suggesting that the nation’s worry over the disease is disproportionate to the threat.
