H1N1 Influenza A Information
The health and safety of guests and employees is the attractions industry’s top priority. IAAPA is working with a number of organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Emergency Response Network (UNWTO TERN), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to disseminate current, accurate information to IAAPA members.
The WHO is leading the international effort to respond to the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and has moved the “Alert Level” to stage six. This means that governments must activate all plans for a likely global pandemic. It also means that the private sector and the public should take all possible precautionary measures. The global and national coordination of response has been further intensified.
Given the widespread presence of the virus, the WHO considers that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.
WHO officials do not recommend closing international borders or restricting international travel. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.
To assist members, IAAPA has prepared the following resources and tips:
Resources
These resources are updated regularly as new information becomes available; they offer comprehensive information about the swine flu virus.
UNTWO TERN Joint Message on H1N1 and Travel
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
United Nations World Tourism Organization
CDC Guidance for Health Care Professionals
Tips for Preparedness
- Now is the time to review your facility’s action plan. If you do not have an action plan, a guide is available on PandemicFlu.Gov
- To lessen the risk of becoming infected with the flu virus avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. Hand-washing after direct contact with ill persons may reduce the risk of illness. Ill persons should be encouraged to practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands) and stay home until their symptoms subside. More tips on prevention are available on the WHO web site.
- The influenza virus is very delicate and can be killed on surfaces by most common disinfectants. In a pinch, a teaspoon of chlorine bleach per liter of water will work as a disinfectant.
- IAAPA members should immediately develop contacts with national/federal, state, and local public health officials if they have not already done so.
If members have further questions or need additional assistance, please contact us. For media and communications assistance, IAAPA members can access our 24-hour Hotline at +1 703/836-1949.