Home  Monthly Issue THE SWINE FLU AND BUSINESSES
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THE SWINE FLU AND BUSINESSES |
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Monday, 04 May 2009 |
RELEASE FROM THE GRENADA CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
April 30th, 2009
In the last few days, there have been numerous reports on a deadly virus strain (H1N1) causing breakouts of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, and now in more than 11 countries across the globe including Canada (6 cases), the United Kingdom, Israel, North Korea and New Zealand.
With over 113 cases confirmed worldwide, the World Health Organization states that the disease is rapidly evolving and on April 29th 2009, raised the swine flu to phase 5 which is now Pandemic and "is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission ..." An estimated 20 confirmed deaths are attributed to the swine flu in Mexico, and another 130 cases are to be determined. There are 64 mild cases confirmed in the United States and on Wednesday April 29th, 2009, one reported death in Texas.
The swine flu potential pandemic stage (phase 6) has great implications for the global economy and the state of health of the global population. Although the major concern of the potential of a swine flu pandemic would be the loss of life, it must not be forgotten that an already fragile global economy would be left in shambles. The potential impact to our local economy can be devastating, particularly to businesses.
The impact on the lives of Grenadians including students living abroad in Mexico and the United States is a point of concern especially around this time when many students and persons in the Diaspora will be returning for summer break.
Many businesses in the Hospitality sector must be concerned about the disruption of travel from countries such as the United States and Canada; these countries are major contributors to our tourism industry. It is even more perturbing at this time of the year, given that businesses are looking forward to a great influx of visitors for the start of our Summer festivities.
Moreover, livestock farmers, meat importers and distributors should consider the implications of the swine flu on meat sales because of the scepticism and misconception of the source of the flu, due to its name ("swine"). Businesses involved in this trade should be willing to educate the public that the swine flu is not transmittable through food products, but by human-to-human contact. In educating the public, businesses can help to alleviate the misconceptions of how the flu is transmitted and prevent losses in sales to pork and pork products.
In light of the swine flu outbreaks, governments from around the world have been taking different measures to protect their citizens. Some countries in Europe, including France, have issued travel warnings to Mexico City, which has been mostly affected by the outbreak, and the United States. The United States Government has provided the States with the cases of the influenza with stock piles of anti-viral drugs: Tami flu and Relenza. In addition there is surveillance and patrol at the United States-Mexican border. Other countries, including North Korea, have been taking other drastic measures such as banning meats and other products from the United States and Mexico.
The Ministry of Health has notified the Chamber of Industry and Commerce through our representative that the current measures being taken are to be vigilant and alert about the Swine Influenza and its impact across the globe, and to be prepared for any possible swine influenza outbreaks in Grenada. Fortunately, there have been no report of any cases in the Caribbean, but because of the Caribbean's close proximity to Central America, everyone in the region, and Grenada should be on alert. It is noteworthy to state that the recent Summit of the Americas, which took place in Trinidad from April 15-17, brought delegates and governmental bodies from across the globe, including Mexico. Therefore, it must be re-iterated that Grenada is in no way isolated from the potential that swine flu cases can begin to emerge in our communities.
We are satisfied that the Government of Grenada through its Ministry of Health are taking precautionary measures to heighten public awareness of the swine flu and its potential of becoming a pandemic.
A number of steps that can be taken includes: tightening health checks and screening of travellers entering the country at all our ports of entry; putting in place plans to screen and follow up on groups, who may have recently travelled to Mexico and other affected countries by briefing the medical authorities for treatment and prevention of the virus, in the event that swine flu cases begin to appear in Grenada.
The Chamber would like to advise our members who have recently travelled to areas affected, to be alert and look for signs and symptoms associated with the flu and in general to practise good hygiene, eg, regular washing of hands with soap and water, turning away when sneezing or coughing and doing so in a disposable tissue or kerchief.
It is imperative that businesses begin to consider ways to assist their staff in the event of an outbreak. Such measures include providing medication, sanitizers, and other sanitary items at the work place. In addition, businesses should be prepared and willing to provide sick days as necessary for staff, which will have productivity implications.
As we continue to monitor the swine flu outbreaks across the globe, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce wants to notify all businesses that we are working to keep you abreast of all the current updates on the swine flu, and how it can potentially affect your businesses. We are also prepared to answers any questions you may have concerning the current outbreaks. As the outbreaks continue to emerge across the globe, we hope that you continue to be vigilant of all the information that is available and begin to put in place measures that are practical and effective to combat a potential outbreak in Grenada.
BASIC FACTS ABOUT SWINE FLU:
(Obtained from Nigel Austin, Lecturer, University of the West Indies)
Why should we be concerned?
Unlike the more recent bird-flu (subtype H5N1) which could have only spread from contact with infected birds, swine flu (H1N1) spreads from human to human.
Is there a vaccine?
No vaccine specifically protects against swine flu and it is unclear how much protection current generic vaccines might offer. A version genetically matched to the new swine flu virus has been created by the US Centres for Disease Control.
However, laboratory testing on swine influenza indicate that two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), and Relenza (zanamivir), are effective against the new strain. Both drugs must be taken within a few days of the onset of symptoms to be most effective.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/antiviral_swine.htm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/26/flu-pandemic-flu
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
How lethal is this flu?
Factors such as age, a compromised immune system, access to proper health care or lack of treatment beyond a period of time, may result in the flu being lethal.
Viral Evolution:
This virus is a genetic reassortment of 3 viruses that occur naturally in 3 individual species: bird, human and pig. Though somewhat rare, such recombinations are not impossible.
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